IIFA 2025 : Kartik Aaryan, Nitanshi Goel win best actor and actress awards

he 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, held this weekend in Jaipur, Rajasthan, was a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema. Leading the pack of winners was Laapataa Ladies, which captivated audiences and critics alike with its heartfelt storytelling and standout performances. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, was awarded the coveted Best Picture trophy, marking a remarkable achievement for the team behind it.

The IIFA Digital Awards, which took place on March 8, saw major wins for Kriti Sanon, Jitendra Kumar, Panchayat 3, and Amar Singh Chamkila. The main IIFA Awards night, hosted by Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar, kicked off on March 9.

Nitanshi Goel was named Best Actress for her exceptional portrayal of Phool Kumari in Laapataa Ladies. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan took home the Best Actor award for his role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

In the Best Director category, Kiran Rao’s visionary work in Laapataa Ladies was recognised with the award. Other notable winners included Raghav Juyal, who won the Best Performance in a Negative Role for his portrayal in Kill, and Ravi Kishan, who took home the Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Male) for his role in Laapataa Ladies.

Nitanshi Goel, the lead actress of Laapataa Ladies, found herself overwhelmed with emotions as she accepted the award for her portrayal of Phool Kumari in the film. She said, "I wasn't expecting this. I was hoping Laapataa Ladies would win big, but I didn't think I would win myself. The legendary Rakesh Roshan bagged the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema Award, a recognition for his significant contributions to the film industry over the years.

Stars set the stage on fire

Nostalgia met stardom at the 25th IIFA Awards when Shah Rukh Khan turned the clock back with a performance recalling his hit songs through the decades, reminding everyone why he continues to rule as one of India’s biggest superstars. It was a grand introduction befitting the King of Bollywood, and he arrived with the tune of Badshah from his 1999 film of the same name playing in the backdrop. The performance was a crash course into the many hits songs of his career such as Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana from his 1995 hit Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Arey Re Arey and Chak Dhoom Dhoom from 1997’s Dil To Pagal Hai. He was joined by Madhuri Dixit, his co-star from the film. The two danced together, recreating their chemistry on stage. The grand finale of Shah Rukh’s performance was set to Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se.

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan paid homage to her grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor by performing on classic tracks like Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua, Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, Awara Hoon and Mera Joota Hai Japani. Before Shah Rukh, actor Shahid Kapoor treated the IIFA audience to his songs. The actor, considered one of the best dancers of the Hindi film industry, performed on songs such as Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Akhiyan Gulab from Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya as well as Mauja Hi Mauja and Nagada Nagada from Jab We Met.

Winning note

• Best Picture—Laapataa Ladies
• Best Performance In A Leading Role (Male)—Kartik Aaryan (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
• Best Performance In A Leading Role (Female)— Nitanshi Goel (Laapataa Ladies)
• Best Direction—Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies)
• Best Performance In A Negative Role—Raghav Juyal (Kill)
• Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Male)— Ravi Kishan (Laapataa Ladies)
• Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Female) — Janki Bodiwala (Shaitaan)
• Best Story (Original) In The Popular Category—Biplab Goswami (Laapataa Ladies)
• Best Directorial Debut— Kunal Kemmu (Madgaon Express)
• Best Debut (Female)—Pratibha Ranta (Laapataa Ladies)
• Best Debut (Male)— Lakshya Lalwani (Kill)
• Best Singer (Female)—Shreya Ghoshal (Ami Je Tomar 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
• Best Singer (Male)—Jubin Nautiyal (Dua from Article 370)