Today's Edition
RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are set to headline as hosts for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024, from September 27-29, as the world’s biggest celebration of Indian cinema, returns to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, ushering in a new era of cinematic excellence.
Coming in as star performer, Shahid Kapoor is poised to please at the event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, which will celebrate cinematic excellence and gather top talents and industry luminaries, from the brilliance of Hindi Cinema to the multi-faceted South Indian cinema, OTT platforms, global stars, international dignitaries, and cinema lovers worldwide.
The IIFA Awards festival, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, kicks off on September 27, with IIFA Utsavam, a celebration of the four South Indian film industries. The event continues on September 28, with the prestigious IIFA Awards. The festival concludes on September 29, with the exclusive, invitation-only event, IIFA Rocks.
The return of IIFA to Abu Dhabi for the third consecutive year underscores the city’s reputation as a leading destination for major global events. Abu Dhabi’s year-round calendar boasts a diverse array of world-class events, including concerts by musical superstars, comedy performances, and sporting spectacles like the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA games, and UFC events.
Additionally, the emirate hosts family-friendly shows and major cultural festivals, further solidifying its status as a global hub for leisure and tourism.
Marking the beginning of its journey towards its Silver Jubilee anniversary in 2025, this year’s IIFA Festival 2024 will bring together the best of Indian cinema in a showcase of stardom across five industries. The IIFA Awards is a celebration of Indian cinema, honouring the richness and diversity of Indian cinema by seamlessly blending the glamour of Bollywood with the vibrant South Indian cinema through IIFA Utsavam (Celebrating Cinema of the South).
Khan, in a media statement, said: “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. I look forward to bringing the energy, passion, and grandeur of IIFA to life once again, as we gear up for an unforgettable celebration of Indian cinema this September!”
Johar noted that for more than two decades, the IIFA has been a defining part of his journey. “My father, with his extensive industry experience and vision, was a significant member of IIFA’s advisory board in its early years, contributing to its mission of celebrating Indian cinema,” he said in the statement. “His association with IIFA was a source of immense pride, further cementing our family’s deep connection with the Indian film industry and its international outreach.”
He went on saying that it was an honour to reignite the magic on the IIFA stage for an unprecedented third showcase, “alongside my dear friend Shah Rukh Khan. Get ready for an unforgettable experience – we’re about to light up Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, like never before!”
Kapoor is preparing to deliver an extraordinary experience for his fans, promising a night filled with energy, emotion, and the pure magic of cinema.
IIFA Founder and Director Andre Timmins announced the biggest and most spectacular IIFA Festival yet, transcending cinematic boundaries with the convergence of Hindi Cinema and South Indian cinema, all set against Yas Island’s backdrop.
The three-day celebration will feature mesmerising performances and cultural extravaganzas that will captivate audiences worldwide and make a profound global impact, he said in the media statement.
The IIFA 2024 festival will foster meaningful connections, offer unique networking opportunities, and celebrate the visionaries who have shaped the global entertainment landscape, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey to 2025, he added.
