In a night filled with dazzling performances and heartwarming moments, superstar Shah Rukh Khan once again proved why he is hailed as the ‘King of Bollywood,’ taking home the Best Actor trophy for his powerhouse performance in Jawan at the 2024 IIFA Awards. Held with much fanfare, the glittering awards night also saw Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal bag the Best Picture award, cementing its position as one of the standout films of the year.
Shah Rukh Khan, in his element as both a winner and host, shared the stage with actor Vicky Kaushal and filmmaker Karan Johar, charming the audience with his trademark wit and flair. Whether striking his iconic pose of spreading his arms wide or grooving to Vicky’s viral dance steps from “Tauba Tauba,” SRK kept the energy high throughout the evening. His charisma, humor, and undeniable star power were on full display as he entertained the audience alongside his Dunki co-star.
A particularly poignant moment came when Dil Se… director Mani Ratnam and music legend A.R. Rahman were invited on stage to present SRK with his Best Actor award. In a touching gesture, Shah Rukh touched the feet of Mani Ratnam before receiving the trophy, showcasing his deep respect for the filmmaker who played a pivotal role in his career.
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The night also honored the stellar performances of other industry icons. Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her powerful portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. In a heartwarming moment, Shah Rukh chivalrously held Rani’s saree pallu to ensure it didn’t touch the ground as she made her way back after accepting her award. Their camaraderie, built over years of working together in films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, was palpable and endeared them further to the audience.
Singer Shilpa Rao was also celebrated for her soulful rendition of “Chaleya” from Jawan, winning the Best Playback Singer (Female) award. SRK joined her on stage for an impromptu dance as she sang the opening lines, lighting up the event with his enthusiasm and support for fellow artists.
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On the hosting front, Vicky Kaushal shared an infectious chemistry with Shah Rukh, as the two danced to iconic numbers like “Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam” from Duplicate and “Oo Antava” from Pushpa. The duo’s playful banter and spontaneous performances had the audience in splits and on their feet, cementing their status as two of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.
The night’s biggest honors also went to Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, which won not only Best Picture but also Best Supporting Actor for Anil Kapoor and Best Negative Role for Bobby Deol. Deol’s recreation of his popular dance from “Jamal Kudu” on stage had the audience in raptures, while Vanga gamely provided props for the impromptu number.
Though Ranbir Kapoor, the lead of Animal, was absent from the ceremony to celebrate his 42nd birthday with family, his film’s multiple wins highlighted the movie’s widespread acclaim. Music from Animal was another major winner, with Pritam, Vishal Mishra, and others taking home the Best Music Director award. Bhupinder Babbal, for his work on the song “Arjan Vailly,” also bagged the Best Playback Singer (Male) award and Best Lyrics award for “Satranga.”
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Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra took home the Best Director award for his inspiring film 12th Fail, adding another feather to his illustrious cap. Meanwhile, Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani saw its share of victories as well, with Shabana Azmi winning Best Supporting Actress for her touching portrayal of Alia Bhatt’s grandmother. The movie’s writers, Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy, took home the Best Story award.
One of the evening’s most special moments came when veteran actress-politician Hema Malini was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award. Shah Rukh Khan gallantly escorted the legendary “Dream Girl” to the stage as her iconic song played, marking a beautiful tribute to her lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Newcomers were also celebrated, with Alizeh Agnihotri winning Best Debutante Actor for her promising performance, and Karan Boolani named Best Debutant Director for Thank You For Coming.
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Beyond the awards, the night was packed with stellar live performances. Veteran star Rekha mesmerized the audience with her timeless charm, while Shahid Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Kriti Sanon, and Ananya Pandey delivered electrifying dance numbers. Rapper Honey Singh, singer Karan Aujla, and choreographer-actor Prabhudeva also brought the house down with their live performances, making it a truly unforgettable night.
As the curtains came down on the 2024 IIFA Awards, the night belonged to Shah Rukh Khan, who not only added another accolade to his illustrious career but also lit up the event with his effortless charm and undeniable magic.
