The 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) concluded in grand fashion at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, Rajasthan. The star-studded event, known for honoring the finest cinematic talents of Bollywood, saw Nitanshi Goel making history by becoming the youngest actress ever to win the prestigious Best Actress Award. The night also witnessed Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ dominating the awards with an impressive 10 wins, reaffirming Bollywood’s growing inclination towards strong content-driven cinema.
In This Article:
A Night of Glamour, Celebration, and Unforgettable Moments
With its silver jubilee edition, IIFA 2025 aimed to celebrate both seasoned stars and emerging talents. Hosted by Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan, the event was filled with witty banter, powerful performances, and unforgettable moments. Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Shahid Kapoor delivered electrifying performances, making the evening even more magical.
The awards night witnessed several surprises, emotional speeches, and a shift in the industry’s power dynamics, as fresh faces stole the limelight from Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Nitanshi Goel: The Youngest Best Actress in IIFA History
One of the most emotional moments of the night was when 17-year-old Nitanshi Goel was announced as the Best Actress for her role as Phool Kumari in ‘Laapataa Ladies’. The young starlet broke down in tears as she took the stage, expressing gratitude for the love and appreciation she received for her performance.
Goel’s victory was historic, as she surpassed established actresses like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shraddha Kapoor, and Yami Gautam to win the coveted award.
Speaking about her journey, Goel said:
“This award is not just mine; it belongs to every young girl who dares to dream. I never imagined I would be standing here among legends and receiving this honor at just 17. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ changed my life, and I dedicate this to my team and my family.”
‘Laapataa Ladies’ Dominates IIFA 2025 with 10 Awards
Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ emerged as the biggest winner of the night, bagging 10 major awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Kiran Rao)
- Best Actress (Nitanshi Goel)
- Best Supporting Actress (Pratibha Ranta)
- Best Music Director (Ram Sampath)
- Best Lyricist (Prashant Pandey for ‘Sajni’)
The social satire film, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, was lauded for its compelling storyline, humor, and strong performances. The movie sheds light on patriarchy and gender roles in rural India and has been receiving international acclaim.
Kartik Aaryan Takes Home Best Actor
Another big winner of the night was Kartik Aaryan, who won the Best Actor Award for his performance in ‘SatyaPrem Ki Katha’. His portrayal of an emotional yet strong-willed lover resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Aaryan dedicated his award to his fans, saying:
“This award is for all my fans who have supported me in my journey from being an outsider to standing on this stage today.”
Newcomers Shine at IIFA 2025
Apart from Nitanshi Goel, other newcomers also left their mark at the event:
- Lakshya Lalwani won Best Debut (Male) for ‘Kill’
- Pratibha Ranta won Best Debut (Female) for ‘Laapataa Ladies’
- Janki Bodiwala won Best Supporting Actress for ‘Shaitaan’
- Raghav Juyal won Best Performance in a Negative Role for ‘Kill’
Their victories signified a new wave in Bollywood, where talent is increasingly prioritized over star power.
Fashion Highlights: Bollywood’s Green Carpet Extravaganza
The green carpet at IIFA 2025 was nothing short of a fashion spectacle, with Bollywood’s biggest stars making style statements:
- Kareena Kapoor Khan dazzled in a golden sequined gown
- Kriti Sanon stunned in a black velvet off-shoulder dress
- Alia Bhatt turned heads in a traditional red saree with intricate embroidery
- Ranveer Singh, known for his eccentric style, rocked a bold floral suit
Social Media Reactions: Mixed Opinions on Winners
While most fans celebrated Nitanshi Goel and ‘Laapataa Ladies’ for their well-deserved wins, some netizens expressed disappointment, particularly over Kartik Aaryan’s Best Actor win, calling it “unfair” and “a joke of the year”.
One tweet read:
“No offense to Kartik Aaryan, but Rajkummar Rao’s performance in ‘Srikanth’ was way more deserving!”
Another user countered:
“Nitanshi Goel’s win is the best thing about IIFA 2025. She truly deserved it!”
Moving Ahead: A Landmark Year for Bollywood
The IIFA Awards 2025 proved to be a turning point for Bollywood, with newcomers taking center stage and content-driven films like ‘Laapataa Ladies’ dominating the industry. Nitanshi Goel’s historic win marks the beginning of a new era, where young talent is recognized and celebrated.
With fresh faces, bold narratives, and evolving trends, Bollywood’s future looks brighter than ever.
What were your favorite moments from IIFA 2025? Share your thoughts!
By – Nikita
