Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Mumbai, February 2025: Marking a remarkable 25-year journey of celebrating and showcasing Indian cinema on the global stage, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards is set to unveil its Silver Jubilee milestone edition in 2025. This edition introduces an innovative and ground-breaking addition to the IIFA Weekend & Awards line-up with Sobha Realty Presents IIFA Digital Awards, Co-Presented by NEXA.
Set in Jaipur, the cultural heart of Rajasthan, renowned for its rich heritage and timeless charm, IIFA promises an unforgettable celebration. Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards – ‘Where The Digital Realm Takes Centre Stage.’ will celebrate the immense talent, creativity, and innovation flourishing in the OTT and digital entertainment space, honouring excellence and dynamic storytellers shaping the future of cinema.
This prestigious event will bring together stars, creators, and industry leaders from around the world to recognize the finest achievements in digital entertainment. With its unmatched global reach and unwavering commitment to excellence, the IIFA Digital Awards will unite the best in the business, driving the next wave of cinematic storytelling.
Entertainment Guaranteed! Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards o-Presented by NEXA promises an unforgettable, star-studded evening as Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana are set to host this spectacular celebration of OTT excellence!
Featuring a spectacular line-up of LIVE musical performances, this Cinematic Kaleidoscope of Entertainment will be a true celebration of creativity, innovation, and the limitless potential of digital storytelling. With dazzling performances and prestigious award categories, Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards, Co-Presented by NEXA, will capture the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of Indian cinema while honoring the very best in the digital entertainment industry.
Vijay Varma on Making His Grand Hosting Debut at Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards 2025, commented saying, “I can’t express how thrilled I am to make my hosting debut at the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards 2025. Being part of IIFA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations—and that too in Jaipur, a city so deeply rooted in cultural heritage and warmth—is truly special. Coming back to my hometown feels like a beautiful homecoming. Rajasthan holds a special place in my heart—I spent my childhood summers at my Nani’s place in Kishangarh and across various cities in Rajasthan. Those were some of the most cherished and comforting memories of my early 20 years, making this return all the more meaningful. It feels amazing to be part of this exciting addition to the IIFA Weekend & Awards line-up. The IIFA Digital Awards promise to be a truly unforgettable event, marking a special moment for Indian cinema as we honour the very best in digital entertainment. IIFA has always been close to my heart for its incredible ability to showcase Indian cinema on a global stage, and year after year, the IIFA Weekend & Awards continue to raise the bar in worldwide recognition. I’m so looking forward to this incredible journey, and I can’t wait to celebrate alongside fellow stars, creators, and fans in Rajasthan—embracing the magic of creativity, unity, and talent in the land that feels like home.”
Aparshakti Khurana shared his heartfelt excitement about co-hosting Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards, an exhilarating new addition to the IIFA Weekend & Awards, saying, “Being part of IIFA’s grand Silver Jubilee celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan is truly special. IIFA is not just an event—it’s an emotion, a global phenomenon that unites fans and talent from across the world to celebrate the magic of storytelling. This year, I’m beyond excited to co-host the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards, a spectacular addition to the IIFA Weekend & Awards. As cinema continues to evolve, the digital and OTT space have redefined entertainment, bringing fresh narratives and ground-breaking performances to audiences worldwide. I can’t wait to bring the energy, excitement, and pure love for Indian cinema to IIFA’s historic edition in Jaipur, Rajasthan this March. Hosting the biggest cinematic kaleidoscope of OTT & Digital Entertainment Awards, honouring the finest talent in this dynamic industry, is a privilege, and I’m thrilled to share this incredible journey with fans across the globe!”
Co-Host of Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards, Abhishek Banerjee further added saying, “I am super excited to be part of the world’s biggest celebration of Indian cinema — the International Indian Film Academy and Awards. It feels amazing to co-host IIFA’s exciting addition, the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards, which honours the incredible talent, creativity, and innovation thriving in the OTT and digital entertainment space.”
Expressing his excitement on the partnership, Mr. Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group said, “At Sobha Realty, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with IIFA for the third consecutive year, celebrating its momentous Silver Jubilee edition in the cultural heart of Rajasthan. Over the past two years, our association as the title sponsor of IIFA Rocks has highlighted our mutual dedication to excellence and forging meaningful connections. This year, we are honored to present the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards, embodying our commitment to precision, innovation, and transformative storytelling.
Just as Sobha Realty redefines the standards of luxury and quality in real estate, the Digital Awards reflect the evolution of entertainment and creativity in a digital era. The grandeur of Indian cinema, framed by Jaipur’s timeless charm, perfectly aligns with our ethos of blending tradition with modernity to craft enduring legacies.
This collaboration deeply resonates with our vision of transcending boundaries, fostering creativity, and uniting communities through shared unique experiences. Together, we look forward to commemorating this extraordinary milestone, as IIFA continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.”
Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards—the biggest and most heartfelt celebration of Indian cinema worldwide—expressed his deep excitement as he announced the launch of Sobha Realty Presents IIFA Digital Awards, Co-Presented by NEXA. He said, “The 25th edition of IIFA is not just another milestone; it is a moment to reflect on the incredible legacy, growth, and global influence Indian cinema has achieved over the years. From the very beginning, we have been committed to innovating and creating a platform where Indian cinema is celebrated in all its glory across the world. This Silver Jubilee edition, set in the cultural heart of Rajasthan—Jaipur—marks not only a celebration but also a pivotal moment in IIFA’s journey. With the introduction of the IIFA Digital Awards—‘Where The Digital Realm Takes Centre Stage,’ we are embracing the future of entertainment and shining a light on the extraordinary talent flourishing in the OTT and digital space. The year 2025 will celebrate all we’ve accomplished together over the last 25 years and set the stage for an even brighter future filled with new achievements. As we continue to break barriers and set new benchmarks, we remain deeply committed to honouring and amplifying voices in the digital entertainment landscape. IIFA’s Silver Jubilee edition promises to be a historic celebration of the artistry, vibrancy, and global impact of Indian cinema. We look forward to many more extraordinary milestones as IIFA continues to unite cultures, tell powerful stories, and celebrate the very best of cinema worldwide.”
Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards – ‘Where The Digital Realm Takes Centre Stage’ celebrates excellence in digital entertainment across diverse categories. It honours Best Film and Best Series, recognizing outstanding original content on digital streaming platforms. Additional categories include Best Reality or Non-Scripted Series, Best Docuseries/DocuFilm, and Best Music/Soundtrack, spotlighting innovation and creativity in various aspects of digital storytelling. These awards highlight the transformative impact of digital platforms on the entertainment industry, showcasing the talent and creativity that define the future of storytelling.