The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 unfolded in spectacular fashion in Abu Dhabi, drawing the crème de la crème of the Hindi film industry and beyond. The event, spread over three days, saw a dazzling array of stars, mesmerizing performances, and much-anticipated award announcements that celebrated the very best of Indian cinema from the past year.
The festivities officially kicked off on September 27 with the IIFA Utsavam, an exclusive event dedicated to honouring the southern film industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Notably, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan clinched a significant accolade for her performance in “Ponniyin Selvan,” setting a high bar for the awards ceremony that followed in the next couple of days.
September 28 saw the grand evening celebrate the Hindi film industry’s unparalleled talent. The atmospheric Abu Dhabi venue buzzed with excitement as Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan hosted the event. Known for his charismatic presence and engaging wit, Khan ensured that the night was truly unforgettable. Complemented by high-energy dance performances from luminaries such as Rekha, Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor, Prabhu Deva, and Ananya Panday, the evening was a perfect blend of glamour and entertainment.
The anticipation for the awards reached its apex with the announcement of the winners. In a year that saw numerous blockbusters, the accolades reflected the industry’s stellar achievements. The year 2023 will be remembered as the year of Shah Rukh Khan, who not only captivated audiences with his triple success in “Pathaan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki,” but also took home the prestigious Best Actor award for his powerful performance in “Jawan.”
Awarded Best Actress for her compelling portrayal in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” Rani Mukerji was a highlight of the night. Mukerji’s nuanced performance as an immigrant mother fighting against all odds for the custody of her children resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, solidifying her status as one of Bollywood’s brightest stars.
The night also marked a significant achievement for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal,” which was awarded Best Film. The film’s dramatic narrative and box-office success made it a formidable contender, and it certainly lived up to expectations.
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Here’s the complete list of winners in the popular category at IIFA 2024:
1. Best Picture: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga’s “Animal”
2. Best Direction: Vidhu Vinod Chopra for “12th Fail”
3. Performance in a Leading Role (Female): Rani Mukerji for “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway”
4. Performance in a Leading Role (Male): Shah Rukh Khan for “Jawan”
5. Performance in a Supporting Role (Female): Shabana Azmi for “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”
6. Performance in a Supporting Role (Male): Anil Kapoor for “Animal”
7. Performance in a Negative Role: Bobby Deol for “Animal”
8. Music Direction: A collaborative win for Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, and Harshavardhan Rameshwar for “Animal”
9. Playback Singer (Male): Bhupinder Babbal for “Arjan Vailly” in “Animal”
10. Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao for “Chaleya” in “Jawan”
The celebrations did not merely stop at award-giving; they embraced the essence of Indian cinema with stellar performances. Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy took the stage at the exclusive, invitation-only IIFA Rocks on September 29, providing a rhythmic conclusion to a memorable event.
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 in Abu Dhabi was a grand celebration of cinematic excellence. While marking the highest points of the past year’s contributions to Indian cinema, it also offered a chance for artists and fans alike to come together in appreciation of the artistry that transcends borders.
With 2023 being an exceptional year for Indian cinema, the IIFA Awards 2024 will be remembered for honouring the extraordinary talent and providing a mesmerizing platform for the stars who make Bollywood an ever-inspiring spectacle on the global stage.
