Janhvi Kapoor’s Instagram Like Sparks Debate Over Sridevi vs. Madhuri Dixit Filmfare Controversy #JanhviKapoor, #Sridevi, #MadhuriDixit, #FilmfareControversy, #BollywoodDebate

 

Janhvi Kapoor’s Instagram Like Sparks Debate Over Sridevi vs. Madhuri Dixit Filmfare Controversy

Posted on May 30, 2025

Bollywood is no stranger to controversies, and the latest one involves Janhvi Kapoor, who recently found herself at the center of a social media storm. The young actress, daughter of the late legendary actress Sridevi, liked an Instagram reel that has reignited a decades-old debate about the 1992 Filmfare Awards. The reel questions why Madhuri Dixit won the Best Actress award for her role in Beta over Sridevi’s powerful performance in Khuda Gawah. This single “like” has sparked heated discussions online, dividing fans and raising questions about whether it was intentional or an accidental slip of the thumb.

The Controversial Reel

The Instagram reel in question features a split-screen comparison of two iconic performances from 1992. On one side, it showcases Madhuri Dixit’s famous dance number “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” from Beta, with text that controversially labels it as a “vulgar step song” and claims Madhuri “did nothing in the movie” yet won the Filmfare Best Actress award. On the other side, it highlights Sridevi’s dual role in Khuda Gawah, praising her “landmark acting” that “carried the whole movie” but was allegedly overlooked by Filmfare. Both films were major hits in 1992, with Beta topping the box office charts and Khuda Gawah securing the third spot.

Reel Caption: “Madhuri in Beta – Did vulgar step song and did nothing in the movie and won Filmfare Best Actress award. Sridevi in Khuda Gawah – Did double role with landmark acting that carried whole movie on her shoulder still Filmfare ignored her for Best Actress.”

Janhvi’s Like and the Social Media Frenzy

Janhvi Kapoor’s like on the reel didn’t go unnoticed. A screenshot of her Instagram handle among the post’s likes quickly went viral, especially on Reddit, where fans and critics began debating its implications. Some netizens accused Janhvi of subtly shading Madhuri Dixit to elevate her late mother’s legacy, while others speculated it was an accidental like, possibly due to Instagram’s algorithm. Janhvi later removed the like, but the damage was done, and the internet was abuzz with opinions.

Comments on Reddit ranged from sarcastic jabs to passionate defenses. One user quipped, “Another victim of the algorithm pandemic… hoping Instagram comes with a vaccine soon,” referencing similar incidents involving celebrities like Virat Kohli and Tamannaah Bhatia, who blamed accidental likes on Instagram’s algorithm. Another user defended Madhuri, stating, “Yes, Madhuri’s Beta was a hit, and she performed brilliantly. But acting-wise too, she earned that award. It wasn’t just a dance number.” On the other hand, Sridevi’s fans argued that her versatile performance in Khuda Gawah deserved more recognition, with one commenting, “This is not the first time Sridevi was ignored! She has given many powerful award-winning performances.”

The Sridevi-Madhuri Debate

The reel has reignited a long-standing debate among Bollywood fans about whether Sridevi, often hailed as India’s first female superstar, was underappreciated by award ceremonies compared to her contemporaries. Khuda Gawah, directed by Mukul S. Anand, featured Sridevi in a challenging dual role alongside Amitabh Bachchan, earning praise for her nuanced performance. Meanwhile, Beta, directed by Indra Kumar, was a commercial blockbuster, and Madhuri’s role, coupled with her iconic dance in “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga,” made her a fan favorite. The Filmfare Best Actress award went to Madhuri, but some fans still believe Sridevi’s performance was more deserving.

The debate isn’t just about 1992. Fans of Sridevi pointed out other instances where she was allegedly overlooked, such as for her roles in Laadla, Gumrah, Judaai, and English Vinglish. One Reddit user noted, “Are we really surprised? This is Bollywood — it values dance, appearances, and glamour. No one cares about acting skills or talent.”

Janhvi’s Silence and Public Perception

As of now, Janhvi Kapoor has not issued a statement addressing the controversy or clarifying whether her like was intentional. This silence has only fueled speculation, with some accusing her of orchestrating a PR stunt to gain attention, while others believe it was a genuine show of support for her mother’s legacy. Janhvi, who debuted in 2018 with Dhadak and has starred in films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and Homebound, is no stranger to scrutiny. Being Sridevi’s daughter, her actions are often viewed through the lens of her mother’s illustrious career.

This incident comes on the heels of Janhvi’s appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of her film Homebound, where she received a nine-minute standing ovation. Her recent activities, including promoting her upcoming film Param Sundari with Sidharth Malhotra, have kept her in the spotlight, making this controversy all the more prominent.

What’s Next?

The online debate shows no signs of slowing down, with fans of both Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit passionately defending their idols. While some see Janhvi’s like as a daughter’s tribute to her mother, others view it as disrespectful to Madhuri, a senior actress known for her grace and talent. Whether this was an accidental like or a deliberate statement, it has certainly brought the 1992 Filmfare Awards back into the limelight, reminding us of the fierce competition and iconic performances that defined that era.

What are your thoughts on this controversy? Do you think Janhvi’s like was intentional, or was it just a social media mishap? Share your opinions in the comments below, and stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more Bollywood updates!

Written by Kishan Baraiya

 

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