The 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, also known as the NEXA IIFA Awards 2025, unfolded as a spectacular two-day extravaganza on March 8–9, 2025, at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Marking the silver jubilee of one of Bollywood’s most prestigious award ceremonies, the event featured a specially designed silver trophy and celebrated 25 years of cinematic excellence. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan, the star-studded night blended glamour, emotion, high-voltage performances, and heartfelt tributes.
Laapataa Ladies Dominates: The Biggest Winner of the Night
Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed Laapataa Ladies (also known as Lost Ladies) emerged as the undisputed champion, sweeping 10 awards—the highest of the night. The film, produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, and Jyoti Deshpande, stood out for its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and technical brilliance. It led with the most nominations (9) and proved that meaningful cinema still reigns supreme.
Other strong contenders included Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (7 nominations, 3 wins), Stree 2 – Sarkate Ka Aatank (6 nominations), Article 370 (5 nominations), and Kill (4 nominations, but 5 wins in technical categories).
Complete List of Winners: Popular, Music & Technical Categories
Here’s the full rundown of winners from the 25th IIFA Awards 2025:
Popular Awards
- Best Picture: Laapataa Ladies (Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, Jyoti Deshpande)
- 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): Biplab Goswami – Laapataa Ladies
- Best Story (Adapted): Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, Anukriti Pandey – Merry Christmas
- Best Directorial Debut: Kunal Kemmu – Madgaon Express
- Best Debut (Male): Lakshya Lalwani – Kill
- Best Debut (Female): Pratibha Ranta – Laapataa Ladies
- Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema: Rakesh Roshan
Music Awards
- Best Music Director: Ram Sampath – Laapataa Ladies
- Best Lyricist: Prashant Pandey – “Sajni” (Laapataa Ladies)
- Best Male Playback Singer: Jubin Nautiyal – “Dua” (Article 370)
- Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal – “Ami Je Tomar 3.0” (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3) – her 10th IIFA Award!
Technical Awards
- Best Screenplay: Sneha Desai – Laapataa Ladies
- Best Dialogue: Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Monal Thaakar – Article 370
- Best Cinematography: Rafey Mehmood – Kill
- Best Editing: Jabeen Merchant – Laapataa Ladies
- Best Choreography: Bosco–Caesar – “Tauba Tauba” (Bad Newz)
- Best Sound Design: Subash Sahoo (and team) – Kill
- Best Sound Mixing: Subash Sahoo, Boloy Kumar Doloi, Rahul Karpe – Kill
- Best Special Effects (Visual): Red Chillies VFX – Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Laapataa Ladies also took home wins for Best Background Score and more in extended categories, cementing its status as the night’s powerhouse.
Unforgettable Performances & Emotional Highlights
The stage came alive with show-stopping acts that had the audience on their feet:
- Shah Rukh Khan’s King-Sized Spectacle: The Baadshah of Bollywood delivered an epic solo performance, grooving to his iconic tracks including “Baadshah,” “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” and “Jhoome Jo Pathaan.” His energy lit up the entire Jaipur venue.
- SRK + Madhuri Dixit Magic: The duo recreated their timeless chemistry from Dil To Pagal Hai, leaving fans nostalgic and cheering wildly.
- Kartik Aaryan & Katrina Kaif: Fresh off his Best Actor win, Kartik danced with Katrina to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 title track “Tauba Tauba.”
- Kareena Kapoor Khan & Shahid Kapoor Reunion: The Jab We Met stars shared a heartwarming on-stage moment, with Kareena paying tribute to her grandfather Raj Kapoor.
- Shreya Ghoshal’s Milestone: The singing sensation’s soulful renditions and her 10th IIFA win added pure musical brilliance to the night.
- Additional Highlights: Madhuri Dixit dazzled with her solo dance, and the event featured high-energy numbers from Kriti Sanon and other stars. The press conference the day before (with Shahid, Kareena, Bobby Deol, and more) set the tone with fun banter and excitement.
The evening also included emotional speeches from winners like Nitanshi Goel, Kiran Rao, and Ravi Kishan, who thanked their teams and celebrated the power of storytelling. Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma addressed the gathering, highlighting Jaipur’s growing status as a hub for big-ticket events.
Why This IIFA 2025 Will Be Remembered
From the silver trophy symbolizing 25 years of glory to Laapataa Ladies proving that bold, socially relevant films can rule the awards, the 2025 edition struck the perfect balance between celebration and substance. The full show on YouTube runs over two hours, packed with unfiltered moments, standing ovations, and behind-the-scenes charm that no highlight reel can fully capture.
Whether you’re a die-hard Bollywood fan or just love award-show drama, stream the complete IIFA 2025 Full Award Show here and witness the magic yourself. Jaipur 2025 wasn’t just an awards night—it was a grand tribute to Indian cinema’s past, present, and future.
What was your favorite moment? Drop it in the comments! Stay tuned for more Bollywood recaps, winners lists, and exclusive insights. 🎥✨
