The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards came to a close on March 9, 2025, at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre in Jaipur, India, which was a huge milestone in honoring greatness in Indian cinema.
Kiran Rao's "Laapataa Ladies" was the evening's largest winner, scooping ten awards, including:
- Best Picture: For the film's outstanding contribution to cinema.
- Best Direction: Kiran Rao's outstanding directorial instinct.
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Nitanshi Goel's outstanding performance.
- Best Supporting Actor: Ravi Kishan's supporting actor role.
- Best Story (Original): Biplab Goswami's original story.
- Best Screenplay: Sneha Desai's engaging script.
- Best Music Director: Ram Sampath's musical direction.
- Best Lyrics: Prashant Pandey for the song "Sajni".
- Best Editing: Jabeen Merchant's smooth editing.
- Best Debut (Female): Pratibha Ranta's outstanding female debut performance.
The film, rechristened "Lost Ladies" for Oscar campaigning, satirically investigates patriarchy and gender roles in a tale of two accidentally swapped brides who take a train ride together.
Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3", which is a horror-comedy sequel.
Other Standout Winners
•Best Performance in a Negative Role: Raghav Juyal for "Kill".
•Best Supporting Actress: Janki Bodiwala for "Shaitaan".
•Best Debut (Male): Lakshya Lalwani for "Kill".
•Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal for "Ami Je Tomar 3.0" from "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3".
•Best Cinematography: Rafey Mahmood for "Kill".
•Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar for "Tauba Tauba" from "Bad Newz".
•Best Special Effects: Red Chillies VFX for "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3".
•Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema: Rakesh Roshan for his long-standing contributions.
•We Can Make A Change Award: Juhi Chawla for her cause of environmentalism.
The glamorous event had performances by Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan, Shahid Kapoor, and Madhuri Dixit. Hosts Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan kept the audience in splits, while celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif stylishly walked the green carpet.
The 2025 IIFA Awards not only honored cinematic excellence but also brought into focus the changing storylines and talent making Indian cinema's future.
