IIFA MAGIC LEAVES YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND!

• Vicky Kaushal wins Best Actor in A Leading Role (Male) for Sardar Udham
• Kriti Sanon Wins Best Actor in A Leading Role (Female) for Mimi
• Vishnuvaradhan wins the Best Direction Category for Shershaah

NEXA IIFA Awards 2022 Co-Presented by SportsBuzz.com co-powered by Rajshree Elaichi and Josh

Hosts:  Salman Khan, Riteish Deshmukh & Maniesh Paul

Performers: Abhishek Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Divya Khosla Kumar and Nora Fatehi.

The highly anticipated mega celebration of Indian cinema, the 22^nd Edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA), in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, took over the Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with a star-studded awards show night. Giving Indian cinema a global platform, the Awards was held at the Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue, Etihad Arena, part of Yas Bay Waterfront on June 4^th, 2022.

The spectacular IIFA 2022 award night witnessed Bollywood mega star Abhishek Bachchan kickstarting the magical IIFA awards night along with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan thereafter the hosts of IIFA Awards Salman Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Maniesh Paul who kept the audience in splits. The extravagant awards night witnessed a host of stellar performances and acts by Abhishek Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Divya Khosla Kumar and Nora Fatehi amongst others. IIFA awards night also witnessed an impromptu dance by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya Bachchan during Abhishek Bachchan’s electrifying performance. Furthermore, Shahid Kapoor performed the finale with a spectacular performance designed as a tribute to Bollywood 'Disco King' Bappi Lahiri.

Rounding out 12 Popular Categories winners are:

• Best Picture Category | Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Shabbir Boxwala, Ajay Shah, Himanshu Gandhi (Shershaah)

• Best Direction Category| Vishnuvaradhan (Shershaah)

• Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female) | Kriti Sanon (Mimi)

• Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male) | Vicky Kaushal (Sardar Udham)

• Performance In A Supporting Role (Female) | Sai Tamhankar (Mimi)

• Performance In A Supporting Role (Male) | Pankaj Tripathi (Ludo)

• Music Direction | A.R.Rahman (Atrangi Re), Tanishk Bagchi, Jasleen Royal, Javed-Mohsin, Vikram Montrose, B Praak Jaani (Shershaah)

• Playback Singer (Female) | Asees Kaur for Raataan Lambiyan (Shershaah)

• Playback Singer (Male) | Jubin Nautiyal for Raataan Lambiyan (Shershaah)

• Best Story (Original) | Anurag Basu (Ludo)

• Best Story (Adapted) | Kabir Khan, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan (Based on ICC World Cup 1983) (83)

• Lyrics | Kausar Munir for the song Lehra Do (83)

Furthermore, top picks for Best Debut – Female, Sharvari Wagh | Bunty Aur Babli 2 & Best Debut – Male, Ahan Shetty | Tadap 2

His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE, said “Considering the strong historical and cultural relations between India and the UAE, Abu Dhabi is perhaps the most appropriate venue for IIFA. Bombay, which is the heart of Bollywood, has also been home for generations of Emiratis and a major trading port connecting the UAE with India. Today, our cultural connect has become even more vibrant in addition to our trade and investment ties. IIFA is contributing to this cultural connect and people to people relations.”

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said, “It is exciting to finally see the IIFA Awards 2022 here on Yas Island. The event will gather some of the biggest movie stars under the roof of Etihad Arena, Yas Bay’s world-class event venue, and is set to reinforce the Island’s position as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment, while further reenergizing the capital’s tourism landscape.”

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said, “We are extremely excited to host the return of IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi as it is an incredible milestone for our exciting entertainment calendar. Our bond with India, founded on cultural and economic ties, has been further strengthened with Abu Dhabi serving as the backdrop to numerous Bollywood blockbusters, enabling the sharing of our beautiful destination with audiences around the world.”

IIFA’s cause partner, Woosh Washing expert for the fourth consecutive edition partners IIFA to share the message, “Equality begins at home” holding a firm banner for gender equality.

Joining as the official travel partner is Ease My Trip – one of India’s leading online travel aggregators, FnP- the world’s gifting platform which has recently launched in UAE, along with partners Sarwa Corporation, D’décor and Krisumi Corporation.

NEXA from Maruti Suzuki India Limited stood committed to IIFA continuing their partnership for the sixth consecutive edition as the Title Sponsor of the IIFA Awards. As the world looks forward to this year's celebration of Hindi cinema with music and fashion at yet another exotic destination, the content promises to be aspirational and entertaining. With its growing popularity across the world, IIFA today is recognized as a global institution in its own right, and a platform that is recognized as the most engaging celebration of Indian cinema.

The event took place at Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue, Etihad Arena, part of Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island. The Island is one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi. Home to magical adventures and awe-inspiring entertainment, as well as three globally renowned theme parks, outstanding motorsports, an award-winning golf venue and world-class hospitality services, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is a destination like nowhere else. Alongside the arena and Yas Bay, guests visiting Yas Island will also be able to enjoy a variety of experiences. From award-winning theme parks, the record-breaking CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, the capital’s largest mall, 160 dining options, a scenic beach and mangroves, luxurious hospitality stays and so much more, there’s a lot to explore!

Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India said, “NEXA has always celebrated the relentless spirit of creators who continuously explore, innovate and experiment to inspire the world. It is for this very reason that NEXA, for 6 consecutive years, has collaborated with IIFA, which is a platform to recognize India’s top creative talent in the world of Cinema and celebrate the best in Cinema Arts. With IIFA, we have a perfect association as we share a common vision of creating global experiences, which has established the premium imagery of both the brands.

Commenting on the IIFA collaboration, Sportsbuzz.com spokesperson said, “Here at Sportsbuzz.com we aim to cater to each and every of your sporting needs. We aim to give you the latest worldwide updates of the sporting world in the blink of an eye. With a team of creative minds with sports flowing through their veins, we are dedicated to serving you content that keeps you on top of your favourite sport. Be it cricket, football, tennis, or any sport you can think of! Get the latest news, opinions, controversies, and updates at your fingertips all at Sportsbuzz, the home of all sports news. The best in the field for upcoming matches, latest score updates, controversies, and viral news first amongst all. As the Title Sponsor IIFA Weekend, we at Sportsbuzz.com are honored to be a part of such cinematic excellence that IIFA offers. Sports are not just a pastime for their followers, they are a passion, a commitment.”

This year, IIFA will be broadcast exclusively on India’s No.1 premium Hindi entertainment channel, COLORS with a stunning line-up of star-studded programming. For the digital savvy viewers, the same will be available on India’s leading content platform, JOSH, and Daily Hunt, from the house of VerSe Group.

Speaking about the partnership, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18 said, "IIFA is one of the most revered awards that celebrates Indian Cinema and its diverse talent on a global stage. We, at COLORS, are proud to continue our partnership with IIFA as it returns post the pandemic hiatus. We are delighted to bring to our viewers across the globe unlimited entertainment featuring Bollywood's biggest stars, spectacular performances and unforgettable moments."

Fans and media are welcome to keep abreast of the latest news and details on IIFA and Hindi cinema by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles:

-Ends-

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

IIFA is dedicated to building bridges across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations, creating everyone’s dream: “One People. One World”. IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India and an equally important objective is to create similar benefits in the host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions. The IIFA Weekend & Awards each year and travels to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com  

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the DCT Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the DCT Abu Dhabi’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, tourism and creative industries. 

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.

About Miral

Miral is Abu Dhabi's creator of destinations, uniting people and places through unique, immersive and exciting experiences. Responsible for the development and management of Yas Island, Miral's assets encompass entertainment, hospitality, leisure, sport, dining and retail destinations. Today, Yas Island is home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Links Golf Course, Yas Mall, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina and eight hotels, including

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island located on Yas Bay, the soon to be Abu Dhabi’s premier waterfront destination. For more information, visit https://miral.ae/.

About Yas Island

Yas Island is one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi - just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai.  Yas Island offers holiday makers a diverse mix of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences, from one-of-a-kind theme parks, world-class shopping and superb dining to a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports, and spectacular musical, entertainment and family events all within the 25 sq km Island.  Today, Yas Island is home to the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the record-breaking CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit (home to the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™), Yas Marina, the award-winning Yas Links golf course, as well as Abu Dhabi’s largest mall, Yas Mall.  With hotels, including W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Crowne Plaza Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Rotana, Centro Yas Island by Rotana, Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island, plus more than 165 dining experiences, the destination also features indoor and outdoor concert venues including MAD and Etihad Arena - all of which are complemented by a range of visitor services that connect all attractions to one another.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT

●       IIFA Website http://www.iifa.com/

●       IIFA social media handles:

●       Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iifa

●       Twitter - https://twitter.com/iifa

●       Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/