The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2024, held on September 28 in Abu Dhabi, was a star-studded event that celebrated the brilliance of Indian cinema. From dazzling performances to the recognition of the industry’s best, the night was a fitting tribute to the hard work and talent displayed in Indian films over the past year. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, two of Bollywood’s most beloved stars, walked away with the top honors for their roles in Jawan and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, respectively. Here’s a breakdown of the event’s major highlights and the full list of winners.
The Grand Stage of IIFA 2024
Held at the prestigious Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the IIFA 2024 brought together the biggest names in Bollywood. The glitzy event was filled with performances, laughter, and memorable speeches. It wasn’t just a celebration of Hindi cinema but a global showcase of India’s filmmaking prowess.
The event spanned three days, from September 27 to 29, with various ceremonies and performances. While the main awards night took place on September 28, the celebrations included IIFA Utsavam, honoring South Indian cinema, and IIFA Rocks, a special event recognizing music and technical achievements.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Triumph as Best Actor
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” proved yet again why he deserves that title. His performance in Jawan, a high-octane action drama directed by Atlee, won him the Best Actor award at IIFA 2024. In Jawan, SRK took on a double role, delivering a powerful portrayal of a man seeking justice while challenging corruption and crime in the system. His performance not only resonated with fans but also struck a chord with critics, making his win at IIFA well-deserved.
In his acceptance speech, SRK expressed gratitude to his fans and the film’s team, saying, “It’s always special to receive love for a film that speaks to people’s hearts. Jawan was a film that took a lot out of me emotionally and physically, and this award is a testament to the hard work of the entire team.”
Rani Mukerji’s Emotional Victory as Best Actress
Equally memorable was Rani Mukerji’s win as Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The film, based on real-life events, told the story of an Indian mother fighting a legal battle to regain custody of her children in a foreign land. Rani’s portrayal of the desperate, determined, and fiercely loving mother was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity.
In her acceptance speech, Rani dedicated the award to all mothers, especially those who fight against injustice. “This role was very close to my heart. It’s not just about one woman; it’s about every mother’s strength. Thank you to the IIFA team and my fans who believed in this film.”
Major Wins of the Night
Besides SRK and Rani Mukerji’s wins, several other talented actors and filmmakers were recognized. Vidhu Vinod Chopra took home the Best Director award for his film 12th Fail, a compelling story of perseverance against the odds, showcasing the challenges faced by students preparing for civil services exams.
Best Film went to Animal, a movie that delved deep into complex relationships and intense emotions. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Pranay Reddy Vanga, the film was a box-office success and also garnered critical praise for its storytelling.
Supporting Roles and Music
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor won Best Supporting Actor for his powerful performance in Animal, adding another feather to his illustrious career. Shabana Azmi won Best Supporting Actress for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, continuing her legacy of delivering consistently exceptional performances.
Bobby Deol, known for his versatility, won Best Performance in a Negative Role for Animal. His portrayal of the film’s antagonist was widely appreciated, further establishing his return to form in Bollywood.
On the musical front, the award for Best Music Direction was given to a collective group of composers, including Pritam, Vishal Mishra, and Manan Bhardwaj, for their work in Animal. Their composition played a pivotal role in creating the film’s emotional and dramatic intensity.
Special Recognitions
The night also saw Hema Malini, one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses, receive the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award. Her contribution to Indian cinema spans decades, and her grace, talent, and dedication have made her a revered figure in the industry.
Alizeh Agnihotri was named Debutant of the Year, marking a promising start to her acting career. She received the award for her performance, which showcased her potential as one of the industry’s rising stars.
Full List of Winners
- Best Film: Animal (Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga)
- Best Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra – 12th Fail
- Best Actor (Male): Shah Rukh Khan – Jawan
- Best Actress (Female): Rani Mukerji – Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
- Best Supporting Actor (Male): Anil Kapoor – Animal
- Best Supporting Actress (Female): Shabana Azmi – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Performance in a Negative Role: Bobby Deol – Animal
- Best Music Direction: Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshavardhan Rameshwar – Animal
- Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema: Hema Malini
- Debutant of the Year: Alizeh Agnihotri
- Best Story: Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, Sumit Roy – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Lyrics: Siddharth Singh & Garima Wahal – Satranga (Animal)
A Night to Remember
IIFA 2024 was a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema’s diversity, creativity, and talent. With Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji leading the pack, the night belonged to the finest that Bollywood had to offer. The awards ceremony once again highlighted the importance of storytelling, performances, and the art of filmmaking, cementing IIFA’s reputation as a premier event on the global stage.
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