The highly anticipated IIFA Awards and Weekend 2023 kicked off in Abu Dhabi with a grand ceremony that left the audience spellbound. The event was hosted by the dynamic duo of actor Rajkummar Rao and filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan, who brought their unique charm and wit to the stage.
One of the highlights of the evening was the triumph of Alia Bhatt-starrer “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” which emerged as the big winner in three technical categories. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, bagged awards for best screenplay, best cinematography, and best dialogue. The intricate storytelling and captivating visuals of “Gangubai Kathiawadi” were rightfully acknowledged by the industry.
The award for best choreography went to Bosco Martis and Caesar Gonsalves for their brilliant work on the title track of Kartik Aaryan’s “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.” Another notable win was for Ajay Devgn’s crime thriller “Drishyam 2,” which took home the trophy for best editing. The action-packed adventure “Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva,” featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, impressed the jury with its stunning visual effects and won the award for best special effects.
The categories of best background score and best sound mixing were claimed by Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan-starrer “Vikram Vedha” and Vasan Bala’s “Monica O My Darling,” respectively. These films showcased exemplary craftsmanship in the realm of sound and music.
The star-studded event witnessed mesmerizing performances by renowned artists such as Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rakul Preet Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhbir Singh, Palak Muchhal, and Iulia Vantur. Superstar Salman Khan and actor-model Nora Fatehi took the stage as showstoppers, donning exquisite ensembles designed by the renowned Manish Malhotra. The collection beautifully blended the charm of the old world with the contemporary trends, leaving the audience in awe.
The glittering ceremony was graced by the presence of several prominent personalities from the Hindi film industry, including Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Sunny Kaushal, and Radhika Madan. Their attendance added an extra touch of glamour and excitement to the event.
This edition of the IIFA Awards is being held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of immersive destinations and experiences. The partnership has resulted in a magnificent showcase of talent and culture, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for the entertainment industry.
As the spectacular ceremony came to a close, the stage was set for the main IIFA Awards ceremony, which would take place the following night. With Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal as hosts, the anticipation for the grand finale soared even higher.
The IIFA Awards 2023 in Abu Dhabi truly proved to be an unforgettable night, celebrating the finest achievements in Indian cinema. The glitz, glamour, and talent on display left everyone eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of this prestigious event.