The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 delivered a glamorous evening brimming with Bollywood’s brightest stars and captivating performances. Hosted in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, this year’s event not only applauded the global reach of Indian cinema but also celebrated the immense talent that defines it. Kicking off with the IIFA Utsavam, a night dedicated to South Indian cinema, the event soon pivoted to honor stalwarts from the Hindi film industry.
The climax of the evening was marked by the much-anticipated declaration of winners, with excitement reaching a fever pitch. Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as the King of Bollywood, gripped the audience as he took on hosting duties, heightening the sense of occasion. Meanwhile, audience members were serenaded with thrilling dance performances by the likes of Rekha, Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor, Prabhu Deva, and Ananya Panday, whose energetic routines were nothing short of spectacular.
2023 was an exceptional year for Shah Rukh Khan, who enjoyed a trio of box-office hits including “Pathaan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki.” Therefore, it came as no surprise when he clinched the Best Actor award for his powerful role in “Jawan.” His remarkable ability to captivate audiences reaffirmed his status as a Bollywood titan.
Rani Mukerji was another star who made a significant mark. She secured the Best Actress award for her stellar portrayal in “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.” In this emotionally charged film, Mukerji gave a nuanced performance as an immigrant mother battling against overwhelming odds to reclaim custody of her children. Her role deeply resonated with critics and audiences alike, earning her much-deserved accolades.
Emerging as the Best Film of the year, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” garnered significant attention. The movie, which featured a gripping narrative and box office-breaking performances by its ensemble cast, stood out among its peers. The acclaim extended to its impressive direction, music, and supporting roles, solidifying its dominance for the evening.
Here is the comprehensive list of winners in the popular category at the IIFA 2024:
1. Best Picture
– Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga – “Animal”
2.
. Best Direction
– Vidhu Vinod Chopra – “12th Fail”
3. Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female)
– Rani Mukerji – “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway”
4. Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male)
– Shah Rukh Khan – “Jawan”
5. Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Female)
– Shabana Azmi – “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”
6. Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Male)
– Anil Kapoor – “Animal”
7. Best Performance in a Negative Role
– Bobby Deol – “Animal”
8. Best Music Direction
– Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshavardhan Rameshwar – “Animal”
9. Best Playback Singer (Male)
– Bhupinder Babbal – “Arjan Vailly-Animal”
10. Best Playback Singer (Female)
– Shilpa Rao – “Chaleya-Jawan”
The thrilling IIFA 2024 spanned three days, beginning on September 27 with IIFA Utsavam. This spectacular event honored the remarkable talents across South Indian cinema, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries. One of the notable awards of the night went to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who was lauded for her performance in “Ponniyin Selvan,” an epic tale that further solidified her place in cinematic history.
The celebrations culminated on September 29 with the exclusive, invitation-only event, IIFA Rocks. This closing night assured an exhilarating experience with live performances by acclaimed artists such as Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao, and the iconic music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Fans and attendees were treated to a night of musical brilliance, wrapping up the celebrations on a high note.
The 2024 edition of IIFA will be remembered not only for its star-studded lineup and brilliant performances but also for celebrating the richness of Indian cinema. From showcasing extraordinary talents to recognizing stellar works, the event truly captured the essence of Bollywood, leaving fans and participants eagerly anticipating what next year will bring.
