The 24th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards lit up Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in September 2024, marking another landmark celebration of Indian cinema. Known for its global reach and unparalleled glamour, IIFA 2024 was a star-studded affair that brought together the brightest talents from Indian and international cinema.
Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the event was presented by SOBHA Realty in collaboration with NEXA. The night was a testament to the magnificence of Indian cinema, featuring unforgettable performances, heartwarming tributes, and recognition of outstanding cinematic achievements.
The 2024 IIFA Awards celebrated excellence across various categories, and the list of winners reflected the diversity and brilliance of the Indian film industry. “Animal,” a gripping drama produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Pranay Reddy Vanga, won Best Picture. The visionary Vidhu Vinod Chopra was awarded Best Director for his thought-provoking film, “12th Fail,” which tells an inspiring story of perseverance and ambition.
Shah Rukh Khan was honored as the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his power-packed performance in “Jawan,” while the talented Rani Mukerji clinched the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Female) award for her stellar portrayal in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.” Supporting roles were also celebrated, with the legendary Shabana Azmi winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” and Anil Kapoor taking home Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Animal.”
Notable mention goes to Bobby Deol, who won Best Performance in a Negative Role for his captivating villainous role in “Animal.” The film also swept the music categories, with Pritam, Vishal Mishra, and their team winning Best Music Direction and Bhupinder Babbal taking home the Best Playback Singer (Male) award for “Arjan Vailly” from the same film. Shilpa Rao’s soulful rendition of “Chaleya” from “Jawan” earned her the Best Playback Singer (Female) award, while Siddharth-Garima were recognized for their poignant lyrics in “Satranga” from “Animal.”
The night also celebrated screenwriting, with Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy receiving the award for Best Story (Original) for their work on “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” The Best Story (Adapted) award went to the remarkable team behind “12th Fail,” including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ayush Saxena, Vikas DivyaKirti, and Jaskunwar Kohli.
The awards night also served as a tribute to the legends of Indian cinema. Karan Johar was celebrated for his 25 years in the industry, with a special honor highlighting his contribution to the romance genre in Indian films. The legendary Shabana Azmi was also recognized for her illustrious 50-year career, with Johar personally presenting the tribute. Azmi, in an emotional moment, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I’m terribly grateful and terribly honoured. “
One of the most moving moments of the night came when Hema Malini was presented the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema Award by none other than Shah Rukh Khan. Malini, in her speech, reminisced about introducing Khan to the film industry and expressed her pride in seeing him become the “king of Bollywood.” The night also honored Ajay Bijli, the founder of PVR Cinemas, with the Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema Award for revolutionizing movie-watching experiences in India.
The IIFA Awards are known for their spectacular performances, and 2024 was no exception. Shah Rukh Khan once again stole the show, joining forces with Vicky Kaushal for an electrifying performance that culminated in a heartwarming embrace while swaying to the song “Mere Mehboob.” The two stars, along with Karan Johar, also danced to the blockbuster hit “Jhoome Jo Pathaan,” thrilling the audience with their energy and camaraderie.
The excitement continued with Shahid Kapoor, whose high-energy medley got the crowd on their feet, and the legendary Prabhu Deva, who joined Shahid for a spectacular dance-off. Ananya Panday and Janhvi Kapoor also dazzled the audience with their stunning performances, while the ever-glamorous Nora Fatehi set the stage ablaze with her electrifying act.
Kriti Sanon took a different approach, captivating the audience with her inspiring story as she discussed the “I Can Make a Difference” initiative. Her passionate message encouraged girls worldwide to follow their dreams, leaving a lasting impact.
The night concluded with a breath-taking performance by the iconic Rekha, a fitting finale to a celebration of Indian cinema at its finest.
