The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is set to return to Abu Dhabi for its 24th edition, marking the third time the prestigious event will be held in the city. From September 27-29, the glittering award ceremony will unfold at the 18,000-seater Etihad Arena on Yas Island, featuring some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry. Bollywood legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Ram Charan, Rana Daggubati, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu are all set to add their star power to the celebration.
Since its inception in 2000, IIFA has traveled to numerous iconic locations around the world, including New York, Toronto, Singapore, Johannesburg, Amsterdam, and Dubai. This year’s edition, according to Andre Timmins, co-founder of Wizcraft International, promises to be “huge” and more diverse than ever, bringing together Bollywood and the South Indian film industries on one platform.
A Grand Celebration of South Indian Cinema
The event will kick off with IIFA Utsavam, honoring the artistic and technical achievements of the South Indian film industry. This segment will celebrate the talents of Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. Actor Rana Daggubati, who will host IIFA Utsavam, aims to blend fun, laughter, and behind-the-scenes insights into the show. “It’s not just about handing out awards; it’s about sharing stories and celebrating the brilliance of those who make cinema happen,” he said.
Performances during IIFA Utsavam will include stars like Regina Cassandra, Raashii Khanna, and the legendary Prabhudeva. Regina, who will perform a nine-minute medley of Tamil and Telugu songs, expressed her excitement, saying, “All my friends from the film fraternity will be there, and it’s always an exciting time to see everyone and enjoy ourselves.”
Bollywood’s Biggest Night
On September 28, Bollywood takes the spotlight with the flagship IIFA Awards, hosted by the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, alongside renowned filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Vicky Kaushal. This will be a highly anticipated moment for fans as Shah Rukh Khan returns to host IIFA after a long time. Timmins noted that “Shah Rukh has been putting in a lot of effort” for the event, signaling a memorable night ahead.
One of the most exciting highlights of the evening will be a performance by veteran actress Rekha. The evergreen star will take the stage for 22 minutes, accompanied by 150 dancers in what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime performance. “This is going to be my last performance, but it’s going to be something outstanding,” Rekha said, adding to the allure of the night.
Other Bollywood celebrities, including Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Shahid Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon, are also set to captivate the audience with their performances, making the 24th year of IIFA an unforgettable experience.
Music and Fashion at IIFA Rocks
The final day, September 29, will see IIFA Rocks, a celebration of music and fashion, hosted by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee. Siddhant, who gained fame with his role as MC Sher in *Gully Boy*, expressed his excitement, calling hosting the event “a dream come true.” He added, “After winning an IIFA award for *Gully Boy* in 2021, being part of this prestigious event is thrilling. I plan to bring my unique energy and style to the show.”
The Magalogue Magazine Joins as Supporting Magazine & Media Partner
Adding to the excitement, The Magalogue Magazine, an international lifestyle publication, has joined as a supporting magazine & media partner for IIFA 2024. With its focus on lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and celebrity culture, The Magalogue’s coverage will offer readers exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the event.
As IIFA 2024 promises to be a star-studded extravaganza, fans worldwide eagerly await the celebrations that unite the magic of Indian cinema, blending the glamour of Bollywood with the vibrancy of South Indian films. Abu Dhabi is all set to witness the ultimate cinematic celebration!