The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards took place from March 8 to 9, 2025, at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre in Jaipur, India. Celebrating its silver jubilee, the event honored outstanding achievements in Indian cinema over the past year.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
To commemorate the 25th edition, the IIFA trophy was crafted in silver, symbolizing the milestone. Themed “Silver is the New Gold,” the ceremony blended traditional Rajasthani culture with Bollywood glamour, reflecting the rich heritage of the host city.
Hosts and Performances
Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Kartik Aaryan co-hosted the event, bringing their charisma and wit to the stage. The ceremony featured electrifying performances by Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, captivating the audience with their dynamic acts.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ Dominates Awards
Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” emerged as the most celebrated film, securing ten awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Rao. The film’s lead, Nitanshi Goel, received the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Phool Kumari, while Ravi Kishan was honored as Best Supporting Actor for his role as Shyam Manohar.
Kartik Aaryan Wins Best Actor
Kartik Aaryan earned the Best Actor award for his performance as Ruhaan “Rooh Baba” in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.” The film also garnered accolades for Best Special Effects, highlighting its technical excellence.
Technical Excellence Recognized
The IIFA Awards honored technical achievements, with “Kill” receiving awards for Best Cinematography and Best Editing, acknowledging Rafey Mehmood and Jabeen Merchant’s contributions. “Article 370” was recognized for Best Dialogue, and “Bad Newz” won Best Choreography for the song “Tauba Tauba.”
Special Honors
Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan was bestowed with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award, celebrating his enduring impact on the industry. Actress Juhi Chawla received the We Can Make A Change award for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work.
IIFA Digital Awards
Concurrent with the main event, the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards recognized excellence in digital entertainment. “Amar Singh Chamkila” won Best Film, with Imtiaz Ali awarded Best Director. Vikrant Massey and Kriti Sanon received Best Actor and Best Actress awards for their roles in “Sector 36” and “Do Patti,” respectively. “Panchayat Season 3” was named Best Series, with Jitendra Kumar honored as Best Actor in a Series.
Fashion Highlights
The IIFA green carpet showcased Bollywood’s fashion prowess, with celebrities like Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor Khan donning exquisite ensembles that blended traditional and contemporary styles, adding to the event’s glamour.
Jaipur’s Cultural Significance
Hosting the IIFA Awards in Jaipur highlighted the city’s cultural richness and architectural splendor. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the iconic Raj Mandir Cinema, a landmark in Jaipur’s cinematic history.
Global Reach and Broadcast
The ceremony was broadcast globally, allowing audiences worldwide to partake in the celebrations. The international telecast underscored Bollywood’s expansive reach and the growing global interest in Indian cinema.
Industry Reactions
The awards were met with acclaim from industry professionals and fans alike, praising the recognition of diverse storytelling and the emphasis on both mainstream and independent cinema. The success of “Laapataa Ladies” was particularly noted for its progressive narrative.
Looking Ahead
As the IIFA Awards concluded their 25th edition, anticipation builds for the future of Indian cinema. The event not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for upcoming talents and innovative storytelling in the industry.
Conclusion
The 25th IIFA Awards in Jaipur marked a significant milestone, honoring excellence in Indian cinema while embracing cultural heritage. The event’s success reflected the vibrancy and evolving nature of Bollywood, promising continued growth and global recognition in the years to come.
