17-year-old Nitanshi Goel beats Alia, Katrina to win IIFA Best Actress award; breaks down
The 2025 IIFA Awards ceremony was a night to remember, with several outstanding performances and winning moments. However, one moment that stole the show was when 17-year-old actress Nitanshi Goel won the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Female) category, beating some of the biggest names in the industry. Goel, who played the lead role of ‘Phool Kumari’ in ‘Laapataa Ladies’, left everyone in awe as she accepted the award and broke down on stage.
Nitanshi Goel’s win was a stunning upset, as she was up against some of the most talented and experienced actresses in the industry. Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Yami Gautam, and Shraddha Kapoor were all nominated for their respective performances in ‘Jigra’, ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Article 370’, and ‘Stree 2’. However, Goel’s powerful performance in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ clearly impressed the judges and the audience, earning her the top honor.
As Goel stepped onto the stage to accept the award, she was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. Tears of joy and gratitude streaming down her face, she hugged her co-star and director, and took a moment to compose herself before delivering a heartfelt speech. “I am completely speechless…I don’t even know what to say,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. “I want to thank my entire team, my director, my co-stars, and everyone who believed in me. This is an incredible honor, and I am so grateful to have received this award.”
Goel’s win is not only a testament to her exceptional acting skills but also a reminder that age is just a number in the world of cinema. At just 17 years old, she has already achieved what many actresses can only dream of. Her performance in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, with many hailing her as a rising star in the industry.
The film’s director, Ram Madhavan, was also overwhelmed with emotion as he accepted the award on behalf of his team. “This is an incredible honor, and we are all so proud of Nitanshi’s incredible performance,” he said. “She is a true talent, and we are thrilled to see her receive this recognition.”
The IIFA Awards ceremony was attended by several A-list celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh. The event also saw several other winning moments, including Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) going to Ranveer Singh for his performance in ‘Jayeshbhai Jordar’.
Nitanshi Goel’s win is a significant milestone in her career, and it’s likely to open up new opportunities for her in the industry. With this award, she has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented young actress.
