Home Tradeline Events IIFA Festival 2024 – A Dazzling Celebration of Cinema, Empowerment, and Legacy

IIFA Festival 2024 – A Dazzling Celebration of Cinema, Empowerment, and Legacy

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Shah Rukh Khan bags Best Actor Award at IIFA 2024

The 24th Edition of the IIFA Festival 2024, held from September 27 to 29 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, was a spectacular three-day celebration of Indian cinema, combining glitz, glamour, and a profound commitment to social change and empowerment. With various events and performances that enchanted audiences worldwide, IIFA reaffirmed its standing as a global cultural phenomenon, etching unforgettable moments for film enthusiasts.

A Grand Kickoff with a Mission for Change

From the outset, the IIFA Festival 2024 radiated cinematic magic. The celebration launched with a dynamic press conference, bringing together stars from five renowned film industries—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Amid the excitement, IIFA introduced its groundbreaking initiative, “I Can Make A Difference,” partnering with Sobha Group as the official Cause Partner to drive positive change on a larger scale. This initiative aimed to empower women and promote collective action toward social change, reinforcing the powerful message, “When You Lay A Strong Foundation, You’re Not Just Building For Today—You’re Shaping Tomorrow.” Another significant highlight of the day was the announcement of the Kuberan Film City and Institute, a state-of-the-art production and talent development facility in Goa, poised to make the region a key hub for films and OTT projects.

Celebrating Southern Cinema at IIFA Utsavam 2024

IIFA Utsavam 2024

The first day of festivities featured IIFA Utsavam 2024, a celebration of the triumphs of South Indian cinema. The event honoured the best in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, showcasing the immense talent of these industries. The star-studded event effortlessly combined glamour and prestige, with notable appearances from icons like Mani Ratnam, Chiranjeevi, AR Rahman, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Hosted by South actors Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja, the ceremony recognised winners across popular categories such as Best Picture, Best Direction, and Best Performance in Leading and Supporting Roles, highlighting the rich diversity and cultural impact of South Indian cinema. Chiranjeevi was also honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema Award.

NEXA IIFA Awards: Honouring Excellence and Emotional Moments

The excitement continued on the second day with the NEXA IIFA Awards 2024, where thought-provoking cinema and legendary filmmakers took centre stage. One of the most memorable moments came when Vidhu Vinod Chopra received the Best Director award for his film 12th Fail. Mani Ratnam, alongside AR Rahman, presented Shah Rukh Khan with the Best Performance in a Leading Role (male) award. An emotional SRK expressed, “Receiving this award from Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman is one of the greatest moments of my life. I have learned everything I know about filmmaking from them.”

Rekha at IIFA 2024

Another emotional highlight of the night came when Hema Malini was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema Award by Shah Rukh Khan. With warmth and pride, she recalled her role in introducing SRK to the film industry and celebrated his journey to becoming “the king of Bollywood.” The audience was touched by the shared history between these two beloved stars, embodying the spirit of legacy and progression that IIFA so deeply cherishes. However, the legendary actress Rekha truly captivated the audience with her graceful performance of iconic songs, including “Piya Tose Naina Lage Re” from Guide. Dressed in a pink Anarkali, Rekha’s timeless charm lit up the stage, creating an unforgettable closing moment for day two of the IIFA Festival 2024.

IIFA Rocks: Electrifying Performances Light Up Yas Island

IIFA Rocks 2024

The grand finale arrived with IIFA Rocks 2024, a breathtaking conclusion to the festival that set Yas Island ablaze with an electrifying fusion of music and stardom. Hosted by the dynamic duo Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, the evening featured spellbinding performances from some of India’s finest talents. The legendary musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy led the charge with a tribute to their illustrious 30-year career in Indian cinema, blending timeless classics with contemporary hits that had the crowd swaying. Playback singer Shilpa Rao followed, dazzling the audience with her powerful vocals and versatility, seamlessly transitioning between soulful ballads and high-energy numbers.

The energy soared to new heights when Honey Singh hit the stage, blending his signature rap with Bollywood beats, igniting the crowd’s excitement. On the other hand, Lulia Vantur’s mesmerising vocals brought a graceful elegance to the evening, leaving the audience spellbound.

The 24th IIFA Festival will be remembered not only for the dazzling display of cinematic brilliance and star power but also for its powerful messages of unity, change, and empowerment. Celebrating Indian cinema in its entirety, from Bollywood to the Southern film industries, IIFA 2024 showcased the best of what Indian films have to offer—creativity, passion, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.