Stars Share Insights as IIFA Awards 2024 Begin on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

During the media round at the IIFA Awards, several prominent personalities like Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Urvashi Rautela, Ananya Panday, Shilpa Rao, Priyamani, Mrunal Thakur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Taha Shah Badusha shared their insights and experiences about the event.

• You have completed 10 years in the film industry with a string of hits. Your upcoming film is ‘Do Patti.’ How do you view your journey?

Kriti: My journey has been wonderful, and I've done some great work. I’m also a co-producer of this film, which makes me very excited. I’m working with amazing actors like Kajol ma’am and Tanvi, and you’ll learn more about it soon.

• What changes have you noticed in yourself transitioning from actor to producer?

Kriti: I’ve realized that producing is a tough job. My respect for producers has increased significantly; making a film is not easy. There are many ups and downs on set, and many things are beyond your control. You have limited time and budget, and sometimes everything has to be changed in editing.

• Some of your characters seem similar. What do you have to say about that?

Kriti: ‘Mini’ is a very special film for me due to its touching story. As an actor, it’s important to explore different things. Both ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ and ‘Mini’ are distinct films. Similarly, ‘Do Patti’ is also very different. You won’t always find a character you connect with completely; sometimes, the story itself becomes the star of the film.

• Between acting, entrepreneurship, and now co-producing, what comes first for you?

Kriti: None of these are ranked for me. When you are passionate about something, it becomes the most important thing at that moment. If I'm acting on screen, my producer hat is off.

• The world has seen your acting skills; what do you have to say about it?

Shahid:  I always try to do something different. My film ‘Deva’ is releasing on February 14, and it’s a thriller with action. My character is a very angry person, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.

• You are once again appearing at the IIFA. How are you feeling about it?

Shahid: I’ve hosted IIFA multiple times, and I always enjoy it. This time, we have great hosts with fantastic humor.

• Your upcoming film showcases the dark side of AI. What are your thoughts?

Ananya: It’s quite frightening. I was scared when I watched it. For ten seconds, I was completely silent at home because it had such a strong impact. We thought this would happen in the future, but it’s already starting to occur in real life.

• Which films are you looking forward to watching?

Ananya: I’m eagerly waiting for ‘Pushpa 2’; I loved the songs that have come out. I’m also looking forward to ‘Maharaja.’

• Shah Rukh Khan will be seen again at IIFA; what do you have to say about him?

Ananya: He gives everyone that star feel, even though he himself is a superstar.

• Many films are being re-released now; which one would you like to see on the big screen again?

Ananya: I’d love to see my dad’s film ‘Aankhen’ again; it’s such a funny movie.

• Can you give us some styling tips?

Ananya: Just be yourself. Wear what you feel comfortable in.

• Which designer is your dress by?

Aishwarya: I’m wearing a design by Manish Malhotra.

• You started your career with a Mani Ratnam film, and now it’s been 27 years. What would you like to say about that?

Aishwarya: Speaking about his contribution feels like a small talk from me. But he’s my guru, and I’m very grateful that I started my career working with him. He is a winner in himself.

• Which designer is your dress by?

Samantha: I’m wearing a dress by Krishna Bajaj.

• How did you choose this dress?

Samantha: My friend is very talented; I just picked a dress from her collection and wore it.

• What are your upcoming projects?

Samantha: I’m currently taking it slow and working on ‘Rakt Brahmand.’

• What do you think of Varun Dhawan?

Samantha: Varun is truly the sweetheart everyone says he is.

• How did you meet Atlee? You worked with him on ‘Jawan’ and are involved in the next part as well. What do you want to say about that?

Priyamani: We connected through ‘Chennai Express.’ I’m really happy to see Atlee’s success with ‘Jawan.’ I’d love to work with him again if given the chance.

• You worked with Shah Rukh in ‘Jawan.’ He’ll also be seen at IIFA. What do you think?

Priyamani: Shah Rukh is amazing! We share a special bond, and I could go on about him. Just know that he is the best.

• Can we expect to see you in ‘Family Man’ soon?

Priyamani: Yes, we’ve already started shooting, and we are halfway through. It will be out very soon.

• How was your experience working with Ajay Devgn?

Priyamani: Ajay is on a different level. I learned a lot from him during the shoot. His eyes say it all.

• What films have you recently watched that you liked?

Priyamani: I recently saw ‘Aavesham’ and ‘Brahma Yugam,’ and I loved both.

• How do you choose your sarees?

Shilpa: I always get help from Kanupriya; she helps me wear sarees beautifully.

• Did you choose the color?

Shilpa: No, she chose it for me.

• Can you share your experience at IIFA?

Shilpa: Absolutely! It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve always watched IIFA on TV, and today being here, walking the green carpet in front of everyone, is truly miraculous. I’m very grateful to Sanjeev Bhansali for giving me this opportunity.

• Are you excited to watch ‘Heera Mandi’?

Taha Shah Badusha: God knows, yes! Fahidul Jalal is my favorite.

• What changes have you experienced after ‘Heera Mandi’?

Taha Shah Badusha: Nobody knew me before ‘Heera Mandi.’ Now, people recognize me and give me love.

• How was your experience?

Taha Shah Badusha: Every day was exciting, and I learned something new. Working with Bhansali sir felt like a dream come true.

• Which designer is your dress by?

Urvashi: I’m wearing a dress by an Arabian designer.

• How has your IIFA experience been?

Urvashi: I’m really enjoying being here at IIFA.

• What’s your upcoming film?

Urvashi: I’m working on a film with Balaji titled ‘102.’

• ‘Laapata Ladies’ has outdone ‘Animal.’ What do you think?

Mrunal: Yes, it’s a fantastic film. But Ranbir has also done films like ‘Barfi,’ so let’s celebrate cinema.

The IIFA Awards 2024 kicked off on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on Friday, promising a grand 3-day event.

By Priyanka Yadav

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