The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025, held in the vibrant city of Jaipur on March 8th and 9th, delivered a star-studded celebration of Indian cinema. This year, Kartik Aaryan and Nitanshi Goel emerged as the big winners, taking home the prestigious titles of Best Actor Male and Female, respectively. However, it was Laapataa Ladies that stole the show, with the film sweeping a remarkable 10 awards across multiple categories.
Laapataa Ladies’ Stunning Success at IIFA 2025
The 2025 IIFA Awards were led by the remarkable success of Laapataa Ladies, which clinched ten awards, including the coveted Best Picture of the Year. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film also took home the Best Direction award. Its impressive tally included major wins in both acting and technical categories. Nitanshi Goel, who delivered a mesmerizing performance in the film, was honoured with the Best Actress award, while Ravi Kishan was named Best Supporting Actor for his pivotal role. Laapataa Ladies also earned recognition for Best Music Director (Ram Sampath), Best Story (Original) in the Popular Category (Biplab Goswami), and Best Editing (Jabeen Merchant).
Kartik Aaryan and Nitanshi Goel Take Home the Best Actor Award
In a memorable moment for his career, Kartik Aaryan was honoured with the Best Actor Male award for his stellar performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The talented actor, known for his versatile roles, won the audience’s hearts once again with his portrayal in the hit film. Aaryan’s performance was widely praised for its intensity, and his victory at IIFA only solidified his status as one of the top actors in the industry.
Joining Aaryan in the spotlight was Nitanshi Goel, who won the Best Actress award for her role in Laapataa Ladies. The actress’s nuanced performance and dedication to her character were key to her recognition. Goel’s victory represents a breakthrough moment in her career, showcasing her growing influence in Indian cinema. Her win adds to the growing list of talented young female actors making their mark in the industry.
Other notable award recipients included Raghav Juyal, who won Best Performance in a Negative Role for his chilling portrayal in Kill, and Janki Bodiwala, who took home the Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) for her role in Shaitaan. Lakshya Lalwani and Pratibha Ranta were recognized for their impressive debuts in Kill and Laapataa Ladies, respectively, winning Best Debut (Male) and Best Debut (Female).
The IIFA Digital Awards: A New Beginning
For the first time in its history, the IIFA Awards introduced the Digital Awards category, which took place on March 8th. This addition reflects the growing importance of digital platforms in the global entertainment landscape. The winners of these inaugural Digital Awards were celebrated for their contributions to digital content, including online performances and innovative storytelling.
Star-Studded Performances at the IIFA 2025
IIFA 2025 was not just about awards but also a spectacle of unforgettable performances. Bollywood’s biggest stars lit up the stage with their electrifying acts. Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor were among the major performers at this year’s ceremony. The event brought together a dazzling display of talent, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats with captivating dance numbers and emotional tributes.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s performance was particularly poignant, as she paid a heartfelt tribute to her legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor. The actress recreated some of Raj Kapoor’s most iconic dance numbers, leaving the audience in awe and bringing back fond memories of one of Bollywood’s greatest showmen.
Full List of Winners
The full list of IIFA Awards 2025 winners is as follows:
- 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 (Female): Janki Bodiwala (Shaitaan)
- Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Male): Ravi Kishan (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Story (Original) In The Popular Category: Biplab Goswami (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Story (Adapted): Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and Anukriti Pandey (Merry Christmas)
- Best Directorial Debut: Kunal Kemmu (Madgaon Express)
- Best Debut (Male): Lakshya Lalwani (Kill)
- Best Debut (Female): Pratibha Ranta (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Music Director: Ram Sampath (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Lyrics: Prashant Pandey (Sajni from Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Singer (Male): Jubin Nautiyal (Dua from Article 370)
- Best Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal (Ami Je Tomar 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
- Best Sound Design: Subash Sahoo, Boloy Kumar Doloi, Rahul Karpe (Kill)
- Best Screenplay: Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Dialogue: Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Monal Thaakar (Article 370)
- Best Editing: Jabeen Merchant (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Cinematography: Rafey Mahmood (Kill)
- Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar (Tauba Tauba from Bad Newz)
- Best Special Effects: Red Chillies VFX (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
- Outstanding Achievement In Indian Cinema: Rakesh Roshan
The IIFA Awards 2025 proved to be a magnificent celebration of cinema, with memorable performances, groundbreaking wins, and a fitting tribute to the legends of Indian cinema.
