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

Salman Khan Fails To Appear Before Court In Jodhpur

Salman Khan Fails To Appear Before Court In Jodhpur
Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who had to appear before a court here on Thursday for verification of bail bonds submitted by him in a case related to the Arms Act, did not make it citing security reasons.

Salman Khan Fails To Appear Before Court In Jodhpur

Our Family Has Equal Respect For All Religions: Rishi Kapoor

Our Family Has Equal Respect For All Religions: Rishi Kapoor
Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor says his family has always been "very secular" and has equal respect for all religions.

Our Family Has Equal Respect For All Religions: Rishi Kapoor

Anurag Basu Has Made A Better Film Than 'Barfi!', Says Ranbir Kapoor

Anurag Basu Has Made A Better Film Than 'Barfi!', Says Ranbir Kapoor
Actor Ranbir Kapoor says director Anurag Basu's forthcoming film "Jagga Jasoos" is better than "Barfi!".

Anurag Basu Has Made A Better Film Than 'Barfi!', Says Ranbir Kapoor

Anushka Sharma Inspired By Suniel Shetty

Actress Anushka Sharma says the "super fitness and cool attitude" of senior colleague Suniel Shetty inspires her.

Anushka Sharma Inspired By Suniel Shetty

Mika Questions How Indian Singers Get Online Views, Cites Nicki Minaj's Video

Mika Questions How Indian Singers Get Online Views, Cites Nicki Minaj's Video
Bollywood and Punjabi singer Mika Singh wonders how Indian singers are getting attention from all quarters on digital media. 

Mika Questions How Indian Singers Get Online Views, Cites Nicki Minaj's Video

Sridevi Loves Delhi's 'Rich' Food

Actress Sridevi, who shot for "Mom" widely in Delhi, says she loves the city and its foodie delights.

Sridevi Loves Delhi's 'Rich' Food