IIFA 2024 as it happened: 'Animal' wins best picture award, Shah Rukh Khan named best actor

Bollywood brought glitz and glamour to the UAE at this year’s edition of International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), which took place in Abu Dhabi.

The extravaganza that draws movie stars from across India was held at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The mega event is a three-day gala that began with IIFA Utsavam, a celebration of south Indian film industries, on September 27. Read all about what happened on day one of IIFA here.

Day three, on September 29, will be the invitation-only party IIFA Rocks, where artistes such as Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will perform.

On September 28, Bollywood took centre stage, and it was extra special because of its hosts, namely, the superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the Tauba Tauba sensation Vicky Kaushal, and the movie director Karan Johar. Many interesting things unfolded including spectacular performances by the likes of Umrao Jaan actress Rekha.

The Khaleej Times team was on the ground to report on things live as they happened, and it was an action-packed night.

Before we look at the main event, here’s a look at some cool behind-the-scenes moments from IIFA 2024.

The stars went all out for IIFA 2024. Don't believe us? Just check out these cool practice reels - that's an A for effort guys.

And now, here's a look at what went down on Bollywood's biggest night:

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2.30am: Shah Rukh poses on the green carpet

The night comes to an end with an epic performance by Rekha.

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2.20am: Animal is named Best Picture

Meanwhile, it's time for the legendary evening to come to an end - and it does, in brilliant style, with a performance by Rekha. When the news of her performing was announced earlier this year, she said: "IFA holds a special place in my heart, representing not just a celebration of Indian cinema but a vibrant fusion of art, culture, and love on a global stage."

Read the full story here.

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1.58am: The award for Best Director goes to Vidhu Vinod Chopra for 12th Fail

Rani Mukerji is the winner of the Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) award for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) goes to Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan

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1.49am: Shahid is back on stage

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1.29am: Vicky's back on stage with Shah Rukh. See their epic performance here:

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1.25am: Meanwhile, on the green carpet, one could spot actors such as Ananya Panday and Bobby Deol.

1.16am: Producer Jayantilal Gada is honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema

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1.07am: Other awards are announced

Best Debut Director goes to Karan Boolani for his film Thank You for Coming

Alizeh Agnihotri is named Best Debut Actor for her stint in Farrey

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12.56am: Hema Malini receives award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema

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12.52am: Honey Singh’s performance wins over the audience

12.44am: AR Rahman, others walk the green carpet

12.36am: Kriti Sanon is centre stage

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12.27am: Best Actor in a Negative Role goes to Bobby Deol for his work in Animal.

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12.16am: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) goes to Shabana Azmi for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani.

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12.08am: The title of Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) goes to Anil Kapoor for Animal

On the sidelines of IIFA, Shahid Kapoor speaks about his performance, saying he's a morning person so he's glad he finished his performance first. As for his morning routine, he refuses to divulge it, calling it a "secret" that took a long time to perfect.

12.01am: Ram Charan to be immortalised by Madame Tussauds

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11.47pm: Rekha is at IIFA

11.35pm: Janhvi Kapoor takes to the stage for a scintillating performance

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11.11pm: Meanwhile, the awards keep coming

Outstanding Contribution to the Growth of Indian Cinema goes to Ajay Bijli.

The prize for Best Story goes to Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khalistan, and Sumit Roy for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.

Best Story (Adapted) goes to 12th Fail.

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11.06pm: The green carpet isn't over yet. Here's a look at who's coming through

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10.56pm: IIFA honours Karan Johar for completing 25 years in the film industry

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10.46pm: It's time to say Tauba Tauba

Shah Rukh and Vicky dance to the viral song Tauba Tauba.

If you’ve been finding yourself singing along to the number from the movie Bad Newz, and attempting to do the now famous hook step, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. Read all about how fans in the UAE are paying homage to the viral dance.

Ananya Panday takes to the stage.

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10.37: Kriti Sanon heads to the stage

She will give the award for best playback singer (female). And the winner is...Shilpa Rao for Jawan.

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10.27pm: Arshad Warsi and Vivek Oberoi announce the winner for Playback singer

Bhupinder Babbal wins the title of Best Playback Singer (Male) for Animal.

The film's director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, takes the award on Babbal's behalf.

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10.20pm: Another prize is announced

Best Music Direction: The award is given to Animal.

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10.15pm: The first award of the night is announced

And the Best Lyrics Award goes to Siddharth-Garima for Satranga from the movie Animal.

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10.13pm: Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor perform

Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor perform to Jugjugg Jeeyo, before handing the stage over to hosts Shah Rukh and Vicky.

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10.00pm: Shahid Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal are performing on stage.

Kriti Sanon joins Shahid Kapoor on stage. And this followed by a number by Prabhu Deva.

Meanwhile, stars such as Hema Malini and Niharika Konidela are walking the red carpet.

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9.53pm: Shah Rukh Khan takes the stage

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh takes the stage amid a firework-filled introduction. Check out the grand spectacle below: