IIFA 2025 in Rajasthan Jaipur is all set to host the next big Bollywood bash. So, goodbye hot desert nights and hello to a whole lot of magic. In March 2025, the Pink City will turn into the hub of Indian cinema as it hosts the 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. This is not just any red-carpet affair; it’s the silver jubilee, 25 years of Indian films dazzling screens across the world. Imagine streets abuzz with fans, excitement in the air and stars like Kartik Aaryan and Kareena Kapoor Khan putting their best foot forward. Rajasthan is pulling out all stops and who wouldn’t want a front-row seat?
IIFA Fest will take place at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) on March 8 and 9. It’s a two-day affair of glitz and awe. On the first night, the IIFA Digital Awards will celebrate new storytellers from OTT platforms like Netflix and ZEE5. It’s a huge milestone, as entertainment has shifted from movie halls to our phones.
March 9: NEXA IIFA Awards Hosted by Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar, performances by Shahid Kapoor, Nora Fatehi and maybe a surprise act or two, this one’s going to be a night of laughs, cheers and maybe even a few tears when someone gives a tearjerker acceptance speech.
For Rajasthan, this isn’t just a glam weekend—it’s a cultural celebration and an opportunity to be seen on the global stage. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari is buzzing at the thought of the biggies discovering forts and palaces. ‘This could change everything, ‘ she told reporters. ‘More films mean more jobs, visitors, and stories against our beautiful backdrops. ‘ She’s right—think Bajirao Mastani’s sweeping Amber Fort shots or Jodhaa Akbar’s desert romance. IIFA 2025 could kick start Rajasthan as a filmmaker’s playground.
Bollywood Meets Rajasthan’s Royal Charm
Let’s talk stars. Shah Rukh Khan has been associated with IIFA since 2000. At a media meet in Mumbai recently, he said, ‘This is my home. ’ He smiled and talked about dancing on every stage, from London to Dubai. He taught Kartik Aaryan Rajasthani aarti and told him to say, ‘Padharo mhaare desh, Rajasthan’ – ‘Welcome to our land, Rajasthan’. Kartik, who is all dimples and energy, said he’d get it right and enchant the audience when he hosts. Karan Johar is the perfect partner-in-crime—his quick wit and insider stories will keep everyone hooked.
The line-up isn’t out yet, but we hear Kareena Kapoor Khan might be performing—and Shahid Kapoor might be dancing. We keep hearing about Nora Fatehi—imagine her at the JECC singing one of her hits. Sachin-Jigar will have everyone up and dancing. It’s not just about awards—those shiny gold Best Actor or Best Film statues—it’s the whole atmosphere. The laughter, the applause and knowing you’re a part of something bigger, a bigger Bollywood experience.
But Rajasthanis are just as thrilled. I met Priya, a college student in Jaipur, who’s already thinking about what she’ll wear. ‘I’ve watched IIFA on TV since I was a kid, ’ she says. ‘And now it’s in my city! I hope I spot Ranbir or Deepika. ’ Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s easy to see why. The state tourism team is promoting the event with a ‘Pose Like a Star’ contest on social media—take a pic mimicking your favourite Bollywood pose for a chance to win tickets. Clever, fun and oh-so-Rajasthani in its warmth.
IIFA 2025 in Rajasthan: A Tourism Boost in the Making
But it’s not just about one weekend. It’s about the next few weeks, months, years. Rajasthan’s tourism board sees IIFA as a window of opportunity. ‘Films entertain and they also inspire travel, ’ said Tourism Secretary Ravi Jain, citing Satyajit Ray’s Sonar Kella, which made Jaisalmer a destination in the ’70s. ‘Now imagine that times ten, ’ he says. With IIFA’s global reach—last year’s Abu Dhabi edition attracted millions—Rajasthan hopes visitors will come for its havelis, camel safaris and spicy dal baati feasts.
Warmth returns: clear skies, warm days make waiting outside the JECC for a star sighting more pleasant The state launches its new film policy at IIFA, aiming both at Bollywood and Hollywood. Picture Tom Cruise zipping through Udaipur’s narrow lanes or Marvel’s superheroes clashing at Chittorgarh Fort. A big ask, but Rajasthan is confident of achieving it.
The tickets are also expensive—On District by Zomato, you can get one for just 2, 000 (a price even die-hard fans can afford), or even 1. 5 lakh for a premium box and VIP treatment. Some of the best spots sold out within minutes. If you don’t get one, you can still watch it live—it’s broadcast live on Sony TV, STAR Plus, Colors TV, and ZEE5. So whether you’re in Jaipur or halfway across the world, you’ll be feeling the energy.
A Celebration Beyond the Stage
For Rajasthan, IIFA 2025 is personal. It’s more than just bling; it’s about pride. ‘This is our moment, ’ said Anil, a cabbie I met near Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, smiling as he tidied his turban. ‘The world will see Rajasthan as a tourist place and a place where dreams come true. ’ He’ll be taking fans to the venue, perhaps singing Bollywood tunes on the way. It’s this spirit—warm, welcoming and starry-eyed—that makes this event special.
The silver anniversary tag adds significance. IIFA’s 25 years also means 25 years of Indian films crossing borders—from Mumbai to Malaysia. Jaipur hosting the event feels right—like the city’s history meets Bollywood’s glam quotient. With a new film policy, Rajasthan bets on a future where its sands and palaces aren’t just backdrops but also protagonists.
But come 8 March, Jaipur will be more than just a city. It will be a vibe. The fans will cheer, the stars will shine and Rajasthan will live it all.
