The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards return to Abu Dhabi for their 24th edition, promising an exciting blend of music, movies, and dazzling performances. This year’s event, which runs from September 27 to 29 at the 18,000-seater Etihad Arena on Yas Island, will bring together Bollywood and South Indian cinema for the first time on one stage. With some of the biggest stars in the Indian film industry gracing the event, it’s set to be a spectacle to remember.
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Bollywood and South Cinema Unite for the First Time
One of the biggest highlights of IIFA 2024 is the unification of Bollywood with South Indian cinema. Andre Timmins, co-founder of Wizcraft International and one of the driving forces behind IIFA, expressed his excitement about this unique collaboration. “It’s never happened before, bringing together the entire diversity of the five industries on one platform. It’s going to be huge,” he said.
Kicking off the festivities, IIFA Utsavam will honour the artistic and technical brilliance of the South Indian film industries—Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. Hosted by Rana Daggubati, the event will not only distribute awards but also share the magic of cinema through fun stories and backstage glimpses.
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Star Performances to Light Up the Stage
IIFA 2024 promises high-energy performances from some of the brightest stars in the industry. Regina Cassandra, known for her films like Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, will perform a nine-minute medley of Tamil and Telugu hits. Similarly, Raashii Khanna will mesmerize the audience with a lively dance to peppy numbers from her films.
Veteran actress Rekha will perform the much-anticipated 22-minute finale. With over 150 dancers and costumes designed in collaboration with Manish Malhotra, her performance is expected to be the grand highlight of the event. Timmins shared his anticipation: “Rekha’s performance will be something to remember—a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.”
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Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar Take Hosting Duties
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will co-host the IIFA Awards alongside filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Vicky Kaushal. This marks SRK’s return to hosting after a long hiatus, and according to Timmins, he has been diligently preparing to make the show unforgettable. “We’ve completed 8-10 script readings, and he’s going all out to make sure it’s a superb show,” Timmins shared.
With King Khan at the helm, audiences can expect a night filled with laughter, emotion, and plenty of surprises, making it a treat for fans of Indian cinema worldwide.
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IIFA Rocks: A Celebration of Music and Fashion
The final day of IIFA 2024 will see the return of IIFA Rocks, a musical and fashion extravaganza hosted by actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee. Siddhant, known for his breakout role in Gully Boy, is particularly excited to host the event, having won an IIFA award in 2021. He plans to bring his “own unique energy and style” to the show, ensuring an entertaining night for all.
Abhishek Banerjee, equally thrilled, shared his pride in co-hosting the event and sharing the stage with Shah Rukh Khan. “My parents are very proud of me because I’m going to share the stage with none other than SRK,” he said, adding that the celebration of Indian cinema on an international platform is a dream come true.
A Grand Finale to Remember
The 24th edition of IIFA will close on a high note with memorable performances from stars like Ananya Panday, Nora Fatehi, Shahid Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon. With a perfect mix of Bollywood glamour, South Indian charm, and international appeal, IIFA 2024 in Abu Dhabi promises to be one of the most memorable in its history.
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Fans and cinema enthusiasts alike are eagerly waiting for this grand celebration of Indian film and culture, which will truly shine on a global stage.
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