Jaya backs Ashutosh on Aishwarya issue

Many may wonder why director Ashutosh Gowariker took away the joy of winning from Priyanka Chopra at the recently held IIFA Awards 2009 by commenting that she didn't deserve the best actress award. That too after an on-stage argument with Sajid Khan at an award function not long ago. But, this time, it was Jaya Bachchan, who told him to raise the question on stage.

Jaya just couldn't believe why her daughter-in-law Aishwarya Bachchan was not awarded for her fine performance in Jodhaa Akbar. She revealed that it was she who asked Ashutosh to address the matter on stage. She added that he didn't do anything wrong by mentioning her name.

Jaya said that she couldn't understand why Aishwarya's performance in Jodhaa Akbar went unnoticed. She added that Ash's portrayal as the royal Rajasthani queen was perfect be it her body language or overall performance. She is of the opinion that Aishwarya and Jodhaa Akbar cinematographer Kiran Deohans deserved recognition.

However, Jaya said that she is not against Priyanka winning the IIFA Award for Best Actress. She said that she liked her performance in Dostana though she is yet to watch Fashion, which won Priyanka the coveted award. She added that she is undoubtedly a good actress.

Well, this was what Ashutosh Gowariker said while accepting the IIFA Best Director award for Jodhaa Akbar:- "Priyanka, you are a very hardworking actress but I was just discussing with Jayaji why Aishwarya did not get the Best Actress award."