IIFA Awards: 'Laapataa Ladies' wins best picture, direction & acting honours

Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, bagging 10 trophies, including Best Picture and Best Director, at a star-studded ceremony held in Jaipur.

The film, which was also named India’s official Oscar entry, swept all major categories. Rao took home the Best Director award, while Nitanshi Goel secured the Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) for her portrayal of lost bride Phool.

"It’s a rare privilege to win an award for a film like Laapataa Ladies,” Rao said after accepting her trophy. “There’s absolutely nothing to compare with the love of people who say that they’ve not just watched our film once, but multiple times. It’s what a filmmaker lives for. So thank you for watching our films.”

Her comeback as a director was not only fabulous but also inspired countless women. The award for Direction at the NEXA IIFA Awards 2025 goes to Kiran Rao! pic.twitter.com/GWaBV8WpcQ

— IIFA (@IIFA) March 9, 2025

Kartik Aaryan Wins Best Actor for ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan clinched the Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male) for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

In his acceptance speech, Aaryan, who also hosted the awards gala alongside Karan Johar, recalled how people doubted his ability to take over the franchise from superstar Akshay Kumar.

"Bhool Bhulaiyaa has been a journey full of difficulties. From the start, when I was selected for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, many questions were raised about whether I would be able to carry the film,” he said, adding that similar skepticism surrounded Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as well.

"I want to thank the audience that supported us throughout this journey."

His witty personality and iconic presence in Bhool Bhulaiya 3 were truly epic! Kartik Aaryan wins the award for Performance in a Leading Role (Male) at the NEXA IIFA Awards 2025. pic.twitter.com/eV1W7N1XHo

— IIFA (@IIFA) March 9, 2025

Nitanshi Goel’s Emotional Win for Best Actress

A visibly emotional Goel said she had grown up watching IIFA Awards on television and never imagined standing on the stage herself.

"It’s a dream for anyone to be part of a movie produced by  Aamir Khan Productions, and that’s why this is a huge honour for me. People have showered love on Phool, and I hope they continue to do so," she said.

She also encouraged aspiring actors to never stop dreaming.

"If I can stand here, then you can too. Please dream big, because dreams do come true," she said, before quoting Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic dialogue from Om Shanti Om.

After giving us a heartwarming performance in Laapataa Ladies, Nitanshi Goel wins the award for Performance in a Leading Role (Female) at the NEXA IIFA Awards 2025. pic.twitter.com/NrlH3cnTGn

— IIFA (@IIFA) March 9, 2025

Supporting and Debut Awards

Ravi Kishan and Pratibha Ranta won Best Supporting Role (Male) and Best Debut (Female) for Laapataa Ladies. The film also won Best Story (Original) for Biplab Goswami, Best Screenplay for Sneha Desai, and Best Editing for Jabeen Merchant.

Janki Bodiwala won Best Supporting Role (Female) for Shaitaan, while Raghav Juyal won Best Performance in a Negative Role for Kill.

In the debut categories, Kunal Kemmu won Best Directorial Debut for Madgaon Express, while Lakshya Lalwani was named Best Debut (Male) for Kill.

Music and Technical Awards

Prashant Pandey won Best Lyrics for the song Sajni, while Ram Sampath took home Best Music for Laapataa Ladies.

Jubin Nautiyal won Best Singer (Male) for Dua from Article 370, while Shreya Ghoshal won Best Singer (Female) for Ami Je Tomar 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

The Best Story (Adapted) award went to the team of Merry Christmas, comprising Shriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Surti, and Anukriti Pandey.

Article 370 won Best Dialogue for Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, and Monal Thaakar.

In technical categories, Kill won Best Cinematography for Rafey Mahmood and Best Sound Design for Subash Sahoo, Boloy Kumar Doloi, and Rahul Karpe. The Best Choreography award went to Bosco-Caesar for Tauba Tauba from Bad Newz, while Red Chillies VFX won Best VFX for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Rakesh Roshan Honoured for Outstanding Achievement

At the ceremony, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award. He was felicitated by legendary actor Rekha , making it a memorable moment at IIFA 2025.

The evening in Jaipur was a grand celebration of Indian cinema, with Laapataa Ladies leading the way as the biggest winner of the night.

On our Silver Jubilee celebration, we honour the legacy in the Indian Cinema created by Rakesh Roshan.

His contributions are magnificent, and they deserve to be known and celebrated. pic.twitter.com/Mj5KYPLT6z

— IIFA (@IIFA) March 9, 2025

(With PTI inputs)