Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has called for a significant shift in how award ceremonies celebrate the film industry, urging organizers to place a greater emphasis on the technicians and crew members who facilitate the creation of cinema. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai for the upcoming 2027 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, Dhawan expressed concern that contemporary award shows have increasingly drifted away from their core purpose of honouring the craft of filmmaking.
As the son of veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, the actor noted that he has a deep-rooted appreciation for the vital roles played by behind-the-scenes professionals. He emphasized that the industry's success is a collaborative achievement, rather than one driven solely by the performances of actors. Dhawan stated that it is essential for the industry to acknowledge the hard work of the individuals who work behind the camera, arguing that their contributions currently receive insufficient attention during televised galas.
During the interaction, actor Salman Khan joined the conversation to address these concerns, noting that the culture surrounding these events is already beginning to shift. Khan suggested that the industry is becoming more aware of the need to balance spectacle with genuine recognition of talent across all departments of film production. Agreeing with this sentiment, Dhawan pledged to ensure that the 2027 edition of the IIFA awards would serve as a platform dedicated to the art of cinema and its creators.
Dhawan remarked, “I feel that these days award shows, everything is not about films. We have come here to celebrate films, actors, performances and technicians. I am the son of a technician. So, I always feel that the importance that we used to give to technicians or the people who used to make films is not being given these days.” He added that despite the necessity of catering to sponsors and commercial interests, the primary focus must return to the films themselves to maintain the credibility of the awards.
The announcement comes as the industry prepares for the 27th edition of the IIFA, which is scheduled to be held on January 22 and 23, 2027. The event will take place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, drawing a significant gathering of film industry personalities. The press conference in Mumbai served as a curtain-raiser for the festivities, featuring several prominent figures from the Indian film fraternity, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, and Shahid Kapoor.
Reports surrounding the event indicate that the hosting duties will involve Varun Dhawan, Ananya Panday, Karan Johar, and Maniesh Paul. Furthermore, the event is expected to feature high-profile performances from stars such as Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor. According to initial disclosures, actress Rashmika Mandanna is also slated to make her debut appearance at the IIFA during this year's edition.
As the countdown to the January event begins, the organisers and participating actors have expressed their intention to make the celebration more reflective of the industry's hard work. By pledging to prioritise technical excellence and cinematic integrity, the team behind IIFA 2027 aims to distinguish this year's ceremony from previous iterations, setting a new tone for film honours in the future.
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