Aishwarya deserved the award but she was ignored

By Subhash K Jha

A lot has been said and written about Ashutosh Gowariker's outburst against Priyanka Chopra's best actress award at the IIFA in Macau.

While most sections of the industry have come forward to deride Ashu for what they see as his childish and impulsive outburst, the one aspect of his criticism against the IIFA jury awarding Priyanka and not Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the award that has raised the most eyebrows is his mention of Mrs Bachchan on stage to endorse and substantiate his public objection to Priyanka's trophy.

A young actor who was a prominent part of the IIFA says, "Jo bolna tha bola. Why drag poor Jayaji into it?"

Surprisingly the ever-forthright first-lady of the industry not only stands up for Gowariker but also gives him a clean chit for mentioning her in his pro-Aishwarya speech.

Reluctant to speak on the matter Jaya when persuaded finally opens up. "First of all it is being presumed that Ashutosh unnecessarily mentioned my name regarding Aishwarya's omission from the awards.

The fact is, I suggested he bring up the question on stage at IIFA. We were discussing why Aishwarya has not been given any award for Jodhaa-Akbar and I suggested Ashutosh bring up the matter. So when he mentioned my name he wasn't doing anything wrong."

Warming up to the subject of Aishwarya's performance in Jodhaa-Akbar Jaya says, "The entire principal cast and crew of Jodhaa-Akbar have been rightly nominated for the popular awards and have won also.

I find it very strange that Aishwarya who lived her part and looked every inch the royal Rajasthani queen in her body language and overall performance was ignored."

The frank and ever-forthright Jaya makes it very clear she has nothing against Priyanka's performance in Fashion. "For all I know she must be really good in Fashion.

I haven't seen it. But I've seen Priyanka's work in Dostana and liked it. She's undoubtedly a good actress. I don't have any objection to her winning the award at IIFA.

But I wonder why Aishwarya's fine performance was ignored. I think she and the Jodhaa-Akbar cinematographer Kiran Deohans richly deserved recognition for their work."