The 70th Filmfare Awards celebrated both legacy and emerging voices in Hindi cinema, with “Laapataa Ladies” making history and Shah Rukh Khan’s return electrifying audiences.
The 70th Filmfare Awards, held October 11, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s EKA Arena, perfectly balanced Bollywood’s rich heritage with its vibrant future in a night filled with emotional reunions, well-deserved recognitions, and stunning performances. The ceremony honored the best Hindi films of 2024, with Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies“ dominating with a record-tying 13 wins, while Shah Rukh Khan’s return as host after 17 years added star power and nostalgic magic to the prestigious event .
A Celebration of Cinema’s Best
The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards with Gujarat Tourism brought together the biggest names in Indian cinema for a glittering ceremony hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Maniesh Paul . The event highlighted both established legends and fresh talent, demonstrating the industry’s evolving landscape.
While commercial successes received their due, the awards particularly celebrated content-driven cinema, with “Laapataa Ladies” leading the charge with its heartwarming narrative and technical excellence. The film’s exceptional performance at the awards tied with the record previously set by “Gully Boy” .
Historic Wins for “Laapataa Ladies”
Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed “Laapataa Ladies” emerged as the undeniable star of the night, securing an impressive 13 awards including the most coveted honors :
- Best Film
- Best Director (Kiran Rao)
- Best Supporting Actor (Male) – Ravi Kishan
- Best Supporting Actor (Female) – Chhaya Kadam
- Best Screenplay and Best Dialogue (Sneha Desai)
The film also triumphed in multiple technical categories including Best Music Album (Ram Sampath), Best Lyrics (Prashant Pandey for “Sajni”), Best Playback Singer (Male) for Arijit Singh’s rendition of “Sajni,” Best Costume Design, and Best Background Score .
Upon receiving the award for Best Film, Kiran Rao expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the film was “not Laapata tonight,” thanking audiences for embracing it with love .
Other Major Award Winners
Beyond “Laapataa Ladies,” the awards recognized exceptional work across multiple films and performances:
- Best Actor (Male) saw a tie between Abhishek Bachchan for “I Want To Talk” and Kartik Aaryan for “Chandu Champion”
- Best Actor (Female) was awarded to Alia Bhatt for her performance in “Jigra”
- The Critics’ Award for Best Actor (Male) went to Rajkummar Rao for “Srikanth”
- Critics’ Award for Best Actor (Female) was won by Pratibha Ranta for “Laapataa Ladies”
- Critics’ Award for Best Film was presented to Shoojit Sircar’s “I Want To Talk”
The action thriller “Kill” also had a strong showing with six awards, including Best Debut (Male) for Lakshya, and multiple technical categories like Best Action, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing .
Unforgettable Performances and Moments
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s Nostalgic Reunion
The emotional highlight of the evening came when Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pair, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, recreated magic from their iconic films . The stage filled with sunflowers as Shah Rukh made a dramatic entrance to “Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanam” from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, ending the routine by going down on one knee and handing a rose to Kajol, recreating a famous scene from the classic film .
The duo then danced to “Ye Ladki Hai Deewani” from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, with the film’s director and co-host Karan Johar cheering them on from the sidelines . Social media erupted with appreciation for the performance, with one fan noting, “The chemistry between Kajol & Shah Rukh Khan isn’t just acting — it’s pure magic that defined an era” .
Kajol later enhanced the nostalgia factor by sharing a then-and-now picture with Shah Rukh on Instagram, celebrating their journey and her seventh Filmfare award with the caption: “That was then. This is now.. Most epic throwback ever!! Thank you @filmfare for my 7th black lady” .
Other Memorable Stage Moments
- Siddhant Chaturvedi delivered an energetic tribute to legendary actor Shammi Kapoor
- Kriti Sanon paid homage to veteran star Zeenat Aman with a performance to “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”
- Abhishek Bachchan surprised audiences with a heartfelt tribute to his father Amitabh Bachchan, performing on his iconic hits, before emotionally embracing his mother Jaya Bachchan in the audience
Special Honors and Emotional Speeches
The ceremony included special awards celebrating lifelong contributions to Indian cinema. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman and the late Shyam Benegal were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their remarkable impact on the industry .
The R.D. Burman Award for Upcoming Talent in Music was presented to Achint Thakkar for his work in “Jigra” and “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” .
Another touching moment occurred when Shah Rukh Khan helped steady newcomer Nitanshi Goel (Best Debut Female winner for “Laapataa Ladies”) when she tripped while walking to accept her award. The superstar gently held both her hands and adjusted her dress before Karan Johar comforted the teary-eyed actress with a hug and kiss on the head .
Complete List of 2025 Filmfare Award Winners
For quick reference, here’s the complete list of winners across major categories:
| Category | Winner(s) | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | Laapataa Ladies | |
| Best Director | Kiran Rao | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Actor (Male) | Abhishek Bachchan, Kartik Aaryan | I Want To Talk, Chandu Champion |
| Best Actor (Female) | Alia Bhatt | Jigra |
| Best Supporting Actor (Male) | Ravi Kishan | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Supporting Actor (Female) | Chhaya Kadam | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Music Album | Ram Sampath | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Debut Director | Kunal Kemmu, Aditya Suhas Jambhale | Madgaon Express, Article 370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most awards at Filmfare 2025?
“Laapataa Ladies” dominated the 70th Filmfare Awards with 13 wins, tying the record for most awards received by a single film in Filmfare history. The film won across major categories including Best Film, Best Director, and several technical awards .
What was the highlight of the Filmfare 2025 ceremony?
The most talked-about moment was Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s nostalgic performance on songs from their iconic films Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Shah Rukh’s return as host after 17 years and his chemistry with Kajol created an unforgettable throwback moment for fans .
Who won the Lifetime Achievement awards?
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to veteran actress Zeenat Aman and late filmmaker Shyam Benegal (posthumously) in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema .
Did Shah Rukh Khan win any awards at Filmfare 2025?
While Shah Rukh Khan didn’t win competitive awards this year, his presence was felt throughout the ceremony as a host and performer. He was recognized for his lasting contributions to Indian cinema during the event .
Where were the 70th Filmfare Awards held?
The 70th Filmfare Awards were held at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on October 11, 2025. The event was presented in association with Gujarat Tourism .
A Night to Remember
The 70th Filmfare Awards successfully celebrated the dual pillars of Bollywood’s success: its respected legacy and its promising future. From the record-breaking achievement of “Laapataa Ladies” to the magical reunion of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the ceremony reminded audiences why Indian cinema continues to captivate hearts across generations.
As the industry moves forward, events like these highlight the importance of both honoring cinematic excellence and nurturing new voices. The 2025 Filmfare Awards not only provided a night of glamour and entertainment but also showcased the evolving narrative of Hindi cinema—one that respects its past while boldly embracing its future.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s Filmfare Awards? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about Bollywood’s biggest night.
