March 9, 2025: The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in 2025 kicked off in grand style with a special screening of the iconic film Sholay at Jaipur’s legendary Rajmandir Cinema, marking the 50th anniversary of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved classics.
The screening attracted a star-studded crowd of Bollywood legends, filmmakers, and industry insiders, all gathering to honor the legacy of Sholay, a film that has been etched in the hearts of audiences for five decades. The film, released on August 15, 1975, continues to captivate with its unforgettable characters, dialogues, and music.
Devendra Surana, son of Rajmandir Cinema’s founder, expressed immense pride in hosting the special screening. “It is a matter of pride for us that Sholay is released here. It is an evergreen hit film. All this is possible only because of IIFA. This is a memorable day for us,” Surana shared, reflecting on the immense cultural impact of the film.
Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, the director of Sholay, was also present at the screening and reminisced about the film’s timeless appeal. “The 25 years of IIFA are as important today as the 50 years of Sholay. Together, we had a wonderful start last night, and it will continue not just tonight but on and on,” said Sippy, whose masterpiece revolutionized Indian cinema with its action-packed drama and legendary performances.
Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, and Amjad Khan, became a cultural phenomenon. Its iconic characters, such as the dacoit leader Gabbar Singh, portrayed by Amjad Khan, and memorable dialogues like “Kitne aadmi the?”, have stood the test of time, making the film an integral part of Bollywood’s history.
This year’s IIFA Awards also witnessed the grand celebration of this milestone with a slew of exciting events and performances. Kartik Aaryan hosted the awards, while Kareena Kapoor Khan took the stage to perform and paid tribute to her legendary grandfather, filmmaker Raj Kapoor, during the celebrations.
Adding to the glitz and glamour, legendary MMA fighter Anthony Pettis made a special appearance, marking a blend of sport and cinema at the prestigious event.
The IIFA Awards 2025, set against the backdrop of Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage, continue to shine as a celebration of Indian cinema’s excellence, with the 50th anniversary of Sholay providing a memorable tribute to one of the film industry’s most cherished films.