The glitz and glamour of Bollywood award shows have long been synonymous with high-octane dance performances, red-carpet fashion face-offs, and the relentless pursuit of viral social media moments. Yet, beneath the sequins and the choreographed stage presence lies a growing tension: are we forgetting who actually makes the magic happen?
At the recent IIFA 2027 press conference in Mumbai, the conversation took a refreshingly candid turn. Varun Dhawan, a star who grew up in the shadow of the camera lenses and editing suites thanks to his father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, issued a plea that resonated through the packed room. It is time, he argued, to pull the focus away from the spectacle and plant it firmly back onto the craft.
The Technician’s Plea: A Legacy at Stake
For Varun Dhawan, the critique of modern award ceremonies is personal. As the son of a man who spent his life understanding the mechanics of a frame—the lighting, the lenses, and the grueling hours of post-production—Dhawan is acutely aware of the disparity between on-screen fame and behind-the-scenes labor.
“I feel that these days, award shows, everything is not about films,” Dhawan remarked during the media interaction. “We have come here to celebrate films, actors, performances, and technicians. I am the son of a technician. I always feel that the importance that we used to give to the people who actually make the films is not being given these days.”
This isn’t just an actor’s whim; it’s a critique of an industry that has become increasingly obsessed with “content” rather than cinema. In an era where a thirty-second clip of a star dancing at an event can eclipse the painstaking months a sound designer or a colorist spent perfecting a project, Dhawan’s call to action serves as a sobering reminder of what—and who—actually builds the foundations of Indian cinema.
Salman Khan and the Shifting Tide
Standing alongside Dhawan, Salman Khan provided a bridge between the old guard and the new. While the industry has often been criticized for its insular nature, Khan noted that the winds are shifting. When Dhawan expressed his frustrations, the veteran superstar didn’t dismiss the sentiment; instead, he signaled a collaborative effort to pivot the narrative.
The two stars agreed that the upcoming IIFA 2027 represents a turning point. According to Dhawan, the commitment to reform is backed by executive muscle. “Now it is being given more credit,” Dhawan noted, gesturing toward Khan. “This time, Salman Bhai has made sure that it will be given respect. At IIFA 2027, we are going to make sure that this award is going to be only about films. Obviously, all the sponsors and the media are very important, but we have to bring it back to films.”
There is an underlying promise of authenticity here. Dhawan, known for his infectious energy, vowed to be “unhinged and honest” this time around. In the polished, often sterile environment of modern award functions, that brand of unfiltered honesty might be the exact jolt the industry needs to move away from the performative nature of these shows and toward a genuine appreciation of the art form.
Abu Dhabi Beckons: IIFA 2027
The stakes are high for IIFA 2027, which has chosen the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as its stage. Scheduled for January 22 and 23, 2027, the event is positioned as a grand homecoming for the soul of the industry. With the world watching, the organizers have a prime opportunity to prove that the “Cinema” in International Indian Film Academy is more than just a marketing buzzword.
The lineup of attendees reads like a who’s who of modern Bollywood. Industry heavyweights like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, and Shahid Kapoor were present at the announcement, underscoring the gravity of this year’s mission. The event is expected to be a massive production, with a hosting roster that reportedly includes the dynamic trio of Varun Dhawan, Ananya Panday, and Karan Johar, with the effervescent Maniesh Paul adding his flair to the mix.
Beyond the Red Carpet: What We Should Expect
While the focus remains on the technicians, the event will still deliver the massive performances fans have come to expect. With Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor slated to hit the stage, the production value is guaranteed to be world-class. Notably, Rashmika Mandanna is set to make her first-ever appearance at an IIFA event, adding a fresh face to the veteran-heavy roster.
However, the real test for IIFA 2027 will be the balance. Can a show that thrives on international tourism and massive corporate sponsorship actually carve out the necessary time to honor the unsung heroes? Can it move past the “actor-centric” narrative that has dominated the last decade?
If Varun Dhawan’s words are any indication, the industry is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the status quo. There is a palpable desire to move back to a time when the craft—the writing, the cinematography, the editing—was held in the same, if not higher, esteem than the box office numbers or the social media reach of the lead actors.
As the industry prepares to head to Abu Dhabi this January, the eyes of the film community will be on more than just the best actor trophies. They will be looking to see if the lights finally shine on the people standing in the shadows. It is a bold move, and if pulled off correctly, IIFA 2027 could very well set a new standard for how the Indian film industry honors its greatest asset: the people behind the camera.
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