The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA 2025) was a night of grand celebrations, recognizing the finest performances in Bollywood over the past year. Held at a spectacular venue with the biggest stars in attendance, the event honored the best in Indian cinema, with Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies emerging as the most awarded film of the night.
The film won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and multiple other awards, reinforcing its place as a landmark film in contemporary Indian cinema. Alongside Laapataa Ladies, other notable winners included Kartik Aaryan for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Raghav Juyal for Kill, marking a diverse range of films and performances that captured audiences’ attention in 2024.
A Triumph for Laapataa Ladies
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the sweeping success of Laapataa Ladies, a film that had already gained critical acclaim and box office recognition. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film tells a poignant yet humorous story about young brides who go missing in rural India. Its strong storytelling, deep social themes, and compelling performances made it a clear favorite at this year’s IIFA Awards.
Best Picture – Laapataa Ladies
Winning Best Picture, Laapataa Ladies continued its winning streak after receiving global recognition at film festivals. The film’s engaging narrative, rich cinematography, and a perfect balance of drama and satire made it the most deserving recipient of this award.
Best Director – Kiran Rao
Returning to direction after a long hiatus, Kiran Rao won Best Director for her thoughtful and socially relevant storytelling. The film’s success marked her as one of the finest directors in Indian cinema today. Her ability to bring humor and depth to a serious subject resonated with both audiences and critics.
Best Actress – Nitanshi Goel
Young actress Nitanshi Goel delivered a standout performance in Laapataa Ladies, which earned her the Best Actress award. Playing the role of a lost bride navigating an unfamiliar world, she brought authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience to her character. This win cements her as a rising star in Bollywood.
Best Supporting Actor – Ravi Kishan
Veteran actor Ravi Kishan was honored with Best Supporting Actor for his role in Laapataa Ladies. His effortless screen presence and ability to add depth to his character made his performance one of the film’s strongest elements.
Best Debut (Female) – Pratibha Ranta
Another big win for Laapataa Ladies came in the Best Debut (Female) category, where Pratibha Ranta was recognized for her memorable performance. Her ability to convey emotions with subtlety and power was a major highlight of the film.
Kartik Aaryan Wins Best Actor for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
In the Best Actor category, Kartik Aaryan took home the award for his role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Continuing his successful portrayal of Rooh Baba, Aaryan managed to bring humor, horror, and high-energy performance to the sequel, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
His transformation from a rising star to a leading Bollywood superstar has been solidified with this win.
Raghav Juyal Surprises with Best Negative Role Win
One of the most unexpected but well-deserved wins of the night was Raghav Juyal’s award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for Kill. Known primarily for his dancing and comedic roles, Juyal shocked audiences with his intense and menacing performance in the action-packed thriller.
His portrayal of a ruthless antagonist was a complete departure from his previous work, proving his versatility as an actor.
Other Notable Wins
- Best Supporting Actress: Janki Bodiwala (Shaitaan)
- Best Directorial Debut: Kunal Kemmu (Madgaon Express)
- Best Debut (Male): Lakshya (Kill)
- Best Playback Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Janki Bodiwala for her powerful performance in Shaitaan, while Bollywood also celebrated fresh talent with Lakshya’s debut win for Kill. Meanwhile, Shreya Ghoshal, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, won Best Female Playback Singer, adding another accolade to her illustrious career.
A Night to Remember
The IIFA 2025 Awards not only honored outstanding achievements but also reflected Bollywood’s shifting dynamics. With a female-led film like Laapataa Ladies winning big, it signals a greater acceptance of socially relevant, content-driven cinema.
The event also showcased Bollywood’s new wave of performers and storytellers, from Kunal Kemmu’s directorial debut to rising stars like Pratibha Ranta and Lakshya.
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