The 24th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards has kicked off in grand style at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, marking the third consecutive year the event is being held at this iconic venue. The three-day cinematic extravaganza, which began on September 27, promises to be a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema, featuring some of the biggest names in Bollywood and the southern film industries.
Star-Studded Lineup and Hosts
This year's IIFA Awards will be hosted by the dynamic trio of Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Vicky Kaushal. Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a part of IIFA's journey over the years, expressed his excitement about hosting the event, saying, "IIFA is a celebration of Indian cinema that resonates across the globe and being a part of its journey over the years has been amazing".
Vicky Kaushal, who will be hosting alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, is equally enthusiastic. "It is more special because I am getting to host it with Shah Rukh sir," he stated, highlighting the unique opportunity to share the stage with a Bollywood legend.
Performances and Rehearsals
The event promises a plethora of captivating performances by some of the most renowned stars in Indian cinema. Rekha, known for her iconic presence, is set to deliver a show-stopping 22-minute performance featuring 150 dancers and bespoke designs by Manish Malhotra.
Other performers include Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Raashii Khanna, and Prabhu Deva. The rehearsals for these performances have already begun, with Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Shahid Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon among those spotted preparing for their gigs.
Celebration of South Indian Cinema
The first day of the IIFA Awards 2024 will be dedicated to IIFA Utsavam, a special event honoring the contributions of the southern film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. Megastar Chiranjeevi will be honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award during this event. Power-packed performances by Chiranjeevi, Bala Krishnan, and Prabhu Deva are also planned.
Attendance and Arrivals
Several Bollywood celebrities have already arrived in Abu Dhabi for the event. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with her daughter Aaradhya, Vicky Kaushal, Kriti Sanon, and Shahid Kapoor are among those who have been spotted arriving at Yas Island. Other stars like Madhuri Dixit, Suniel Shetty, and Disha Patani have also departed for Abu Dhabi to attend the ceremony.
Venue and Organizers
The IIFA Awards 2024 will be held at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with the support of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, and the Department of Culture and Tourism. This marks the continuation of a successful partnership that has made Abu Dhabi the home of IIFA since 2022.
Closing Ceremony - IIFA Rocks
The three-day event will culminate with IIFA Rocks, an exclusive, invite-only night of musical performances. This closing ceremony promises to be a memorable conclusion to the grand celebration of Indian cinema.
As the IIFA Awards 2024 unfolds, fans can expect a weekend filled with glamour, exciting performances, and heartfelt tributes to the rich tapestry of Indian cinema. With its star-studded lineup and grand festivities, this year's IIFA Awards is set to be an unforgettable celebration.
