Monday, January 26, 2026
ADVT 
Bollywood

IIFA 2017 PICS: Shahid, Alia Win Best Actors For Udta Punjab, 'Neerja' Best Film

Radhika Bhirani IANS, 17 Jul, 2017 10:03 AM
  • IIFA 2017 PICS: Shahid, Alia Win Best Actors For Udta Punjab, 'Neerja' Best Film

In a city that never sleeps, the Metlife Stadium came alive with the IIFA Awards celebration here on Saturday night, with Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt becoming proud winners of the Best Actor trophies for their remarkable work in "Udta Punjab".

 

Given that it came for a film which was mired in controversy with the censor board over its theme and content, made the success sweeter for the stars -- even Diljit Dosanjh walked away with the Best Debutante - Male Actor for his performance in the film.

 

All three of them were emotional about winning the award for a film which let mainstream performers take up something risky.

 
 
 
 
 

The Best Picture honour went to Sonam Kapoor starrer "Neerja", based on the real life story of Neerja Bhanot, an air hostess who lost her life while trying to save others on a hijacked flight at Karachi. Actor Jim Sarbh won the Best Performance in a Negative role for his act in the movie.

 

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury walked away with the Best Direction award for "Pink", a hard-hitting drama which put forth the message that when a woman says no, it is a no.

 

Actress Taapsee Pannu, who played a pivotal role in "Pink", was named the Woman Of The Year, while music maestro A.R. Rahman was given a Special Award in recognition of his contribution to film music since 25 years at the event, which was largely attended by the NRI commnity here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rahman sang two lines from "Maa tujhe salaam" much to the delight of the audience on the final day of the 18th edition of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards, an annual celebration of Hindi cinema at a foreign location.

 

In the Best Supporting Actor category, Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher were honoured for 'Neerja" and "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story"; Varun Dhawan was lauded for his comic timing in "Dishoom"; and Disha Patani was encouraged with an award for her debut movie "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story".

 

The music category saw Pritam winning the Best Music Direction for "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", and Amitabh Bhattacharya bagging the Best Lyrics accolade for "Channa mereya".

 
 
 

Among the singers, Kanika Kapoor's "Da da dase" and Tulsi Kumar "Soch na sake" shared the award in the female category, while Amit Mishra won it in the men's category.

 

As hosts, Karan Johar and Saif Ali Khan attempted to keep the humour alive, but beyond a point, the crowd wasn't very engaged and booed them in between.

 

The performances by Alia, Katrina Kaif, Shahid, Varun, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon and Salman kept the pace of the event going.

 

"Raabta" actors Sushant and Kriti performed on retro tracks, while Varun paid a tribute to his father David Dhawan by grooving to his chartbusters.

 

IIFA, a celebration of Hindi film and music, takes place every year in a new country. The idea is to spread the magic and promote 'Indian cinema".

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Arjun Will Be Married First In Our Family, Says Uncle Anil Kapoor

Arjun Will Be Married First In Our Family, Says Uncle Anil Kapoor
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of "Mubarakan", said that they chose the wedding theme for the film as they want actor Arjun Kapoor to get married and they will at least try to get him married first in the family.

Arjun Will Be Married First In Our Family, Says Uncle Anil Kapoor

Varun Dhawan Wants Irfan Pathan To Sing For Him

Varun Dhawan Wants Irfan Pathan To Sing For Him
Actor Varun Dhawan has praised Irfan Pathan's singing talent and he hopes that the Indian cricketer can sing for him someday.

Varun Dhawan Wants Irfan Pathan To Sing For Him

Sunny Leone and I Always Look Forward to Working Together: Rannvijay Singha

Rannvijay Singha will be back again hosting the 10th season of reality show "Splitsvilla" on MTV. The popular TV host, who will co-host the show with actress Sunny Leone, says they always look forward to working together.

Sunny Leone and I Always Look Forward to Working Together: Rannvijay Singha

I've Been A Tortoise: Sonam Kapoor On Journey In Filmdom

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who completed a decade in Hindi filmdom in 2017, says she has been a tortoise in the field as her journey has been slow and steady.

I've Been A Tortoise: Sonam Kapoor On Journey In Filmdom

Should Children Be Barred From Reality Shows?

Should Children Be Barred From Reality Shows?
Of late there have been a number of reality TV shows involving children of all age groups. While the platform does provide immense exposure for the little ones, it also effects their health and education.

Should Children Be Barred From Reality Shows?

Will Put Disclaimer On Dramatised Events In 'Indu Sarkar': Madhur Bhandarkar

Will Put Disclaimer On Dramatised Events In 'Indu Sarkar': Madhur Bhandarkar
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar on Wednesday said he will put a disclaimer in his forthcoming film "Indu Sarkar" about events being dramatised.

Will Put Disclaimer On Dramatised Events In 'Indu Sarkar': Madhur Bhandarkar