The 25th International Indian Film Academy Awards brought Bollywood’s brightest stars to Jaipur for a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema. Held on March 8-9, 2025, the Silver Jubilee edition witnessed Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies emerging as the most-awarded film with 10 prestigious trophies, marking a historic night for independent cinema and female filmmakers.
IIFA 2025: Major Winners at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Laapataa Ladies | Kiran Rao |
| Best Director | Kiran Rao | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Actor (Male) | Kartik Aaryan | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 |
| Best Actress (Female) | Nitanshi Goel | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Supporting Actor | Ravi Kishan | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Supporting Actress | Janki Bodiwala | Shaitaan |
| Best Negative Role | Raghav Juyal | Kill |
| Best Debut (Male) | Lakshya Lalwani | Kill |
| Best Debut (Female) | Pratibha Ranta | Laapataa Ladies |
| Outstanding Achievement | Rakesh Roshan | Lifetime Work |
Laapataa Ladies: The Night’s Undisputed Champion
The comedy about two newly-wed brides who accidentally get swapped on their train ride home swept the ceremony, collecting awards across multiple categories. Director Kiran Rao’s sophomore directorial venture, which served as India’s official Oscar submission, proved that heartfelt storytelling resonates with audiences and critics alike.
Awards Won by Laapataa Ladies:
- Best Picture
- Best Direction (Kiran Rao)
- Best Actress (Nitanshi Goel as Phool Kumari)
- Best Supporting Actor (Ravi Kishan)
- Best Debut Female (Pratibha Ranta)
- Best Original Story (Biplab Goswami)
- Best Music Director (Ram Sampath)
- Best Lyrics (Prashant Pandey for “Sajni”)
- Plus two additional technical awards
The film’s success demonstrates the growing appetite for content-driven cinema that addresses social issues with humor and sensitivity.
Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Triumph
Kartik Aaryan was honored with the Best Actor award for his performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, cementing his position as one of Bollywood’s leading stars. His portrayal combined comedy, horror, and emotional depth, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film’s commercial success coupled with critical acclaim made Kartik a deserving winner in a competitive category.
Breakthrough Performances That Stole Hearts
Nitanshi Goel – Best Actress: At just a young age, Nitanshi became the youngest recipient of the IIFA Best Actress award for her nuanced portrayal in Laapataa Ladies. Her performance as Phool Kumari captured the innocence, resilience, and determination of a rural Indian bride navigating unexpected circumstances.
Lakshya Lalwani – Best Male Debut: The action thriller Kill introduced audiences to Lakshya’s raw intensity and physical prowess. His portrayal of a commando on a revenge mission showcased impressive action choreography and emotional range, making him a promising newcomer.
Pratibha Ranta – Best Female Debut: Another discovery from Laapataa Ladies, Pratibha’s natural acting style and screen presence earned her the debut award, highlighting the film’s exceptional casting choices.
Supporting and Technical Excellence
Ravi Kishan delivered a memorable supporting performance in Laapataa Ladies, bringing depth and authenticity to his character, acknowledging the importance of well-crafted supporting roles.
Raghav Juyal transformed from dancer to menacing antagonist in Kill, earning Best Negative Role with his chilling performance.
Janki Bodiwala won Best Supporting Actress for Shaitaan, adding depth to the supernatural thriller.
Other Notable Winners
Best Adapted Story: Sriram Raghavan and team won for Merry Christmas. Best Directorial Debut: Kunal Kemmu’s Madgaon Express impressed with fresh comedy. Music Honors: Ram Sampath (Music Director) and Prashant Pandey (Lyrics for “Sajni”) created Laapataa Ladies’ soulful soundtrack, while Jubin Nautiyal and Shreya Ghoshal won Best Singers.
The Spectacular Celebration
The ceremony celebrated Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay’s 50th anniversary, with Kareena Kapoor Khan paying tribute to her grandfather Raj Kapoor’s centenary. Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit’s performances electrified the evening. The special silver trophy marked IIFA’s 25-year journey celebrating Hindi cinema globally.
Kill’s Strong Showing
Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s action thriller Kill secured five awards, including Best Negative Role and Best Male Debut, proving well-executed action cinema deserves recognition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which film won the most awards at IIFA 2025?
Q: Who won Best Actor and Best Actress at IIFA 2025?
Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, while Nitanshi Goel won Best Actress for Laapataa Ladies, becoming the youngest recipient of this award.
