Nitanshi Goel Triumphs Over Top Stars to Win Best Actress at IIFA 2025
At the IIFA Awards 2025, the Best Actress category featured some of the biggest names in the industry, including three of the most celebrated female stars of their generation and a performer renowned for her critically acclaimed roles. However, it was 17-year-old newcomer Nitanshi Goel who outshined them all, securing the prestigious award.
At the prestigious IIFA Awards 2025, star Nitanshi Goel’s path from novice to ‘best actress’ was nothing short of miraculous.
Nitanshi Goel won Best Actress.
The performer, who made her debut in Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies, was overcome with emotion when she won the prize for her role as Phool Kumari in the film. The award was presented to her by veterans Boman Irani and Bobby Deol, and Nitanshi dazzled the audience in a stunning ruby-red gown.
However, it was her emotional victory speech that actually captivated the crowd. Nitanshi was overcome with emotion and nearly choked on her tears as she thanked the film’s team and her family.
Nitanshi defeated Alia Bhatt (Jigra), Katrina Kaif (Merry Christmas), Yami Gautam (Article 370), and Shraddha Kapoor (Stree 2) to win her first major acting award. While speaking with ANI on the win, She stated, “I wasn’t expecting this,” adding, “I was hoping Laapataa Ladies would win big, but I didn’t think I’d win myself.” The other candidates were outstanding, and I am a tremendous admirer of each of them. I am absolutely amazed by the kindness I have received.”
Nitanshi on Her Emotional Speech
Reflecting on her tearful moment on stage, Nitanshi shared, “It’s almost become a thing now. Honestly, I couldn’t stop crying because winning this award is a dream for every actor, and for me, that dream has finally come true. I’m just incredibly grateful.”
Describing the overwhelming experience, she added, “The first thing I did was cry and quickly try to put together a speech because I couldn’t believe it was real. Then, I hugged my mom tightly and gave a huge hug to Kiran ma’am. It was all just happy tears.”
Looking ahead, Nitanshi is eager to collaborate with industry stars. “There are so many people on my list,” she said excitedly, “but Shah Rukh sir is right at the top, followed by Kartik Aaryan. It would be an absolute dream to work with them.
All about Laapataa Ladies.
Kiran Rao directs Laapataa Ladies, a 2023 Hindi-language comedy-drama that was distributed abroad as Lost Ladies. It follows the story of two newlywed ladies who are accidentally switched on a train voyage to their husbands’ homes. The film, which also stars Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, has received accolades for its engaging tale and performances.
Here’s the list of IIFA Awards 2025 Winners
| Category | Winner | Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Laapataa Ladies | – |
| Best Performance In A Leading Role (Male) | Kartik Aaryan | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 |
| Best Performance In A Leading Role (Female) | Nitanshi Goel | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Direction | Kiran Rao | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Performance In A Negative Role | Raghav Juyal | Kill |
| Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Female) | Janki Bodiwala | Shaitaan |
| Best Performance In A Supporting Role (Male) | Ravi Kishan | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Story (Original) In The Popular Category | Biplab Goswami | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Story (Adapted) | Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, Anukriti Pandey | Merry Christmas |
| Best Directorial Debut | Kunal Kemmu | Madgaon Express |
| Best Debut (Male) | Lakshya Lalwani | Kill |
| Best Debut (Female) | Pratibha Ranta | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Music Director | Ram Sampath | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Lyrics | Prashant Pandey | Sajni (Laapataa Ladies) |
| Best Singer (Male) | Jubin Nautiyal | Dua (Article 370) |
| Best Singer (Female) | Shreya Ghoshal | Ami Je Tomar 3.0 (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3) |
| Best Sound Design | Subash Sahoo, Boloy Kumar Doloi, Rahul Karpe | Kill |
| Best Screenplay | Sneha Desai | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Dialogue | Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Monal Thaakar | Article 370 |
| Best Editing | Jabeen Merchant | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Cinematography | Rafey Mahmood | Kill |
| Best Choreography | Bosco-Caesar | Tauba Tauba (Bad Newz) |
| Best Special Effects | Red Chillies VFX | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 |
| Outstanding Achievement In Indian Cinema | Rakesh Roshan | – |
About IIFA Awards 2025
The IIFA 2025 took place in Jaipur from March 8 to March 9 and featured electrifying performances by Kareena Kapoor Khan (who paid tribute to her grandfather, Raj Kapoor), Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Nora Fatehi, and Kartik Aaryan.
