The Moment That Stole the Show
If you’ve ever been to a live awards show, you know the formula: glamorous outfits, scripted banter, and carefully rehearsed performances. But what happened when Akshay Kumar took the stage at the 70th Filmfare Awards was something entirely different—an unplanned, genuine moment that reminded everyone why we fell in love with Bollywood in the first place.
The actor, known for his disciplined professionalism and packed shooting schedules, unexpectedly showed a different side of his personality during the awards ceremony held in Ahmedabad. Rather than sticking to a rehearsed script, Kumar decided to connect with the local Gujarati audience in their own language, creating what many are calling the most memorable moment of the night.
Filmfare Meets Gujarat Tourism: A Perfect Cultural Blend
The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism made a strategic choice to move beyond traditional venues in Mumbai, instead embracing the vibrant cultural heartland of Gujarat . This partnership represents a growing trend of major entertainment events collaborating with state tourism departments to create unique, location-specific experiences that honor local culture while entertaining global audiences.
Held in Ahmedabad on Saturday, the star-studded ceremony was hosted by none other than Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar, who kept the energy high throughout the evening . The awards celebrated both contemporary excellence and legendary figures, with veteran actor Zeenat Aman receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and the late filmmaker Shyam Benegal being honored posthumously .
Akshay Kumar himself had made a stylish entrance at the event, looking cool in an all-white ensemble that perfectly captured his signature effortless charm . But little did the audience know that his fashion statement would be overshadowed by his musical one later in the evening.
The Unforgettable Performance: Akshay Kumar Connects Through Gujarati Music
Witnesses describe the moment as spontaneous and heartfelt. During his segment, rather than delivering a typical Bollywood number, Kumar launched into a popular Gujarati folk song, instantly electrifying the audience. The surprise wasn’t just his song choice—it was his evident comfort with the language and melody, suggesting behind-the-scenes preparation specifically for this Gujarat-hosted event.
Audience Reaction and Participation
What began as a solo performance quickly turned into a collective celebration as Kumar encouraged audience participation. The sight of Bollywood celebrities and local Gujarati viewers singing together bridged the gap between screen idols and their admirers, creating that rare awards show magic that can’t be scripted or rehearsed.
Cultural Respect and Representation
In an era where cultural appropriation conversations dominate social media, Kumar’s approach stood out for its evident respect and genuine attempt to honor the local culture. His performance demonstrated an understanding that Filmfare’s choice to partner with Gujarat Tourism wasn’t just about location, but about authentic cultural exchange.
Beyond the Performance: Other Major Winners
While Akshay’s musical moment generated significant buzz, the night also celebrated outstanding achievements in Indian cinema :
- ‘Laapataa Ladies’ emerged as the big winner of the night, clinching multiple awards including Best Adapted Screenplay for Ritesh Shah and Tushar Sheetal, Best Dialogue for Sneha Desai, and Best Music Album for Ram Sampath .
- Best Debut awards went to Nitanshi Goel for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ and Lakshya for ‘Kill,’ recognizing fresh talent in the industry .
- Technical excellence was celebrated across categories, with awards for Best Choreography (Bosco-Caesar for ‘Tauba Tauba’), Best VFX (ReDefine for ‘Munjya’), and Best Action (Seayoung Oh and Parvez Shaikh for ‘Kill’) .
The high-octane dance performances throughout the night included standout moments from Ananya Panday and Maniesh Paul, but it was Akshay Kumar’s genuine connection with the audience through music that left the most lasting impression .
Why This Moment Mattered
In today’s fragmented entertainment landscape, where content consumption happens increasingly through screens rather than shared experiences, Kumar’s performance served as a powerful reminder of cinema’s unique ability to create collective moments of joy. His choice to sing in Gujarati acknowledged the local audience without condescension, celebrating regional culture within a national platform.
This approach aligns perfectly with Gujarat Tourism’s broader efforts to showcase the state’s cultural richness, from the Navratri Festival celebrated with dance and music across nine nights to the Tarnetar Fair based on the legend of Draupadi’s swayamvara, which celebrates ethnic Gujarat’s folk traditions .
Frequently Asked Questions
What other special moments happened at the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025?
Beyond Akshay Kumar’s performance, the ceremony included several memorable moments: Zeenat Aman receiving her Lifetime Achievement Award with grace, tribute segments honoring legendary actors Dilip Kumar, Nutan and Meena Kumari, and high-energy dance performances from various Bollywood stars .
Has Akshay Kumar performed in Gujarati before?
While Kumar is known for embracing diverse roles and cultural elements throughout his career, this particular Gujarati language performance at a major national event like Filmfare marks a significant and noteworthy moment in his public appearances.
What is the significance of hosting Filmfare Awards in Gujarat?
The partnership between Filmfare and Gujarat Tourism represents a growing trend of major entertainment events moving beyond traditional metropolitan venues to celebrate India’s diverse cultural landscape. This approach allows for unique cultural exchanges and acknowledges the importance of regional audiences.
Who were the big winners at the 2025 Filmfare Awards?
‘Laapataa Ladies’ dominated the awards, winning multiple categories including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Dialogue, Best Music Album, and Best Playback Singer (Male) for Arijit Singh’s “Sajni” . The film’s success highlights the industry’s recognition of compelling storytelling beyond typical commercial formulas.
How did Akshay Kumar dress for the Filmfare Awards 2025?
Akshay Kumar made a stylish red carpet entry in an all-white ensemble that perfectly captured his signature style and effortless charm . His fashion choice reflected both the glamour of the event and Gujarat’s warm climate.
The Takeaway: When Stars Truly Connect
Akshay Kumar’s Gujarati song performance at the 70th Filmfare Awards did more than just entertain—it demonstrated how cultural bridges can be built when artists step outside their comfort zones to genuinely connect with local audiences. In an industry often criticized for being insular, such moments remind us that cinema at its best doesn’t just showcase talent but fosters human connection.
What was your favorite Filmfare Awards 2025 moment? Share your thoughts on social media using #FilmfareInGujarat and let us know which performance or win resonated most with you.
