IIFA 2025: ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Dominates, Kartik Aaryan, Nitanshi Goel Shine Among Big Winners

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JAIPUR (ANI)- The 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, held here, was a grand celebration of Indian cinema, recognizing exceptional performances and achievements across various categories.

‘Laapataa Ladies’ Takes Center Stage

Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ dominated the night, winning Best Picture. The film, which captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, also earned Kiran Rao the Best Director honor. Additionally, Nitanshi Goel was awarded Best Actress for her compelling portrayal of Phool Kumari, marking a significant milestone in her rising career.

Nitanshi, overwhelmed with emotion, dedicated her award to her mother and the team behind ‘Laapataa Ladies.’ “I wasn’t expecting this. Winning this award is a dream come true,” she said. Bollywood legends Boman Irani and Bobby Deol presented her with the trophy, making the moment even more special. The film also won accolades for Best Story (Original), Best Screenplay, and Best Editing, further cementing its success.

Kartik Aaryan Wins Best Actor

Kartik Aaryan took home the Best Actor award for his performance as Rooh Baba in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.’ In his acceptance speech, he reflected on the challenges he faced while taking on the franchise. “From the beginning, people questioned whether I could carry the film on my shoulders. But the love from the audience proved everything right,” he said.

He also thanked director Anees Bazmee for crafting the beloved character of Rooh Baba, which has now become iconic. The film, which clashed with Ajay Devgn’s ‘Singham Again,’ triumphed at the box office, grossing over Rs 400 crore worldwide. Kartik expressed excitement for his upcoming projects, including ‘Aashiqui 3’ and the romantic comedy ‘Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri,’ directed by Sameer Vidwans and set for a 2026 release.

Other Major Winners

Raghav Juyal won Best Performance in a Negative Role for his portrayal in ‘Kill,’ while Ravi Kishan received Best Supporting Actor (Male) for ‘Laapataa Ladies.’ Janki Bodiwala won Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Shaitaan.’

The legendary Rakesh Roshan was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema Award for his significant contributions to the industry.

The winners in the music categories included Ram Sampath (Best Music Director for ‘Laapataa Ladies’), Prashant Pandey (Best Lyrics for ‘Sajni’ from ‘Laapataa Ladies’), Shreya Ghoshal (Best Female Singer for ‘Ami Je Tomar 3.0’ from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’), and Jubin Nautiyal (Best Male Singer for ‘Dua’ from ‘Article 370’).

The IIFA Digital Awards, held on March 8, saw wins for Kriti Sanon, Jitendra Kumar, and the series ‘Panchayat 3’ and ‘Amar Singh Chamkila.’

Glamour and Celebration

Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar hosted the event, which included Kareena Kapoor Khan’s special tribute to her grandfather, legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. The star-studded evening celebrated not only the best performances but also the impact of Indian cinema on a global stage.

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