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Congress leader Tika Ram Jully calls Madhuri Dixit ‘second-grade actor’, stirs row
The IIFA 2025 event in Jaipur had over ₹100 crore spent but lacked major Bollywood stars, prompting criticism from Tikaram Jully. He called Madhuri Dixit a 'second-grade actor' while highlighting the absence of prominent celebrities. The Congress distanced itself from his remarks.
Current Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Congress leader Tika Ram Jully, has stirred a political row by referring to Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit as a “second-grade star” while speaking in the House on Wednesday.
Tika Ram Jully was criticising the presence of fewer Bollywood celebrities at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAA) and questioned the award's impact on the state, a Times Now report said.
His controversial remarks
“More than ₹100 crore given for IIFA event. No major Bollywood stars were present. Some cite Madhuri Dixit's presence. Madhuri second-grade actor these days… her prime has gone. She was a star in the times of her movies like 'Dil' and ‘Beta’ [sic],” Jully said.
"What benefit did we get from IIFA? How many big stars attended? Did they visit any tourist spots? They didn’t go to any tourist destinations. And which big name came? Except for Shah Rukh Khan, all were second-grade actors. No first-grade actor attended," he said.
Congress responds, BJP criticises Jully
The Congress party distanced itself from the minister's remarks, citing these could be his “personal view”.
BJP leader and Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari said Jully “shouldn't have said that” in response to his controversial comments.
“Every actor should be respected... He (Tikaram Jully) said something absurd about a woman actor; he shouldn't have said that,” she said.
The controversy comes days after Congress spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed faced criticism for ‘fat shaming’ Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma on social media.
IIFAA 2025
The 25th edition of the IIFAA 2025 wrapped up in Jaipur on March 10 on a high note, with Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan performing on his blockbuster tracks ranging from Chaiyya Chaiyya, Lungi Dance, Jhoome Jo Pathaan, and Shava Shava among others.
Leading the pack of winners at IIFAA this year was Laapataa Ladies, which captivated audiences and critics alike with its heartfelt storytelling and standout performances. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, was awarded the coveted Best Picture trophy, marking a remarkable achievement for the team behind it.
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Business NewsEntertainmentCongress leader Tika Ram Jully calls Madhuri Dixit ‘second-grade actor’, stirs row
First Published:13 Mar 2025, 05:24 PM IST
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