Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 15, 2024 7:24 am GMT
The IIFA Utsavam 2024 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of cinematic artistry and heartfelt connections within the film community. Among the evening’s highlights was a touching moment when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a revered actress, paid homage to her mentor, Mani Ratnam, by touching his feet after presenting him with the Best Director (Tamil) award for his film *Ponniyin Selvan: II*. This heartwarming gesture, captured in a viral video, resonated with many fans and attendees, showcasing the deep respect Aishwarya has for Ratnam, who she affectionately calls her ‘guru.’ To watch the viral moment, click here.
A Celebration of Talent at IIFA Utsavam 2024
The IIFA Utsavam, now an annual tradition, brings together the brightest stars from both South Indian and Bollywood cinema. This year’s event was hosted by popular actors Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja, creating an exciting atmosphere for attendees and viewers alike.
Aishwarya Rai’s words about her mentor highlighted the bond they share: “He’s my guru. From the beginning, I’ve been grateful to work with Mani Ratnam. It’s an honor to have played Nandini in *Ponniyin Selvan* and to share this success with our team.” Her emotional homage to Ratnam further enhanced the spirit of unity among the film fraternity.
A Night to Remember
The evening was filled with recognition of talent and hard work across various categories. A few key winners included:
- Best Actor (Tamil): Vikram for *Ponniyin Selvan: II*
- Best Actress (Tamil): Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for her role in *Ponniyin Selvan: II*
- Best Director (Tamil): Mani Ratnam for *Ponniyin Selvan: II*
These awards underscored the film’s success and the critical acclaim it has received.
Star Power at the IIFA Utsavam
The event wasn’t just about awards; it was a gathering of prominent personalities from both South Indian cinema and Bollywood. Celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and music maestro A.R. Rahman were present, adding to the glittering charm of the night.
Photos shared on social media captured various moments from the evening, including Aishwarya and Mani Ratnam sharing the stage, with smiles that conveyed shared joy and success. The actress has a long-standing history of collaboration with Ratnam, having previously worked with him on projects such as *Iruvar*, *Raavan*, and *Guru*.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Busy Month
September has been exceptionally busy for Aishwarya, who recently attended the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) in Dubai and made a stunning appearance at Paris Fashion Week. Her presence at IIFA Utsavam shows her continued dedication to her craft and the film industry.
Fans were excited to see her and her daughter, Aaradhya, at the event. Aishwarya’s joy in sharing these moments with her daughter was evident and resonated with mothers across the globe.
What Lies Ahead
The IIFA Utsavam is just the start of the IIFA week. The main awards night is scheduled to take place following the Utsavam ceremony, featuring a lineup of notable hosts including Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. As the celebrations continue, fans can anticipate even more memorable moments and honors in the days ahead.
Conclusion
The IIFA Utsavam 2024 not only highlighted the incredible talent within the cinematic world but also reminded us of the profound relationships forged through art. With moments that tugged at the heartstrings, like Aishwarya’s homage to her mentor, the event stands testament to the values of respect and gratitude that resonate deeply within the film community. As the weekend unfolds, the celebrations are sure to continue, solidifying this year’s awards as a hallmark of excellence in film.
Fans are excited for the big moments at IIFA 2024! While they wait, they can enjoy the amazing memories that show off the talents of individual stars and the teamwork of everyone in the movie industry.
