The 2025 IIFA Awards saw an unexpected yet heartwarming victory as 17-year-old Nitanshi Goel took home the Best Actress trophy. Competing against some of Bollywood’s biggest stars like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Yami Gautam, Nitanshi’s win was a moment of pride and joy for the young actress.
A Historic Win for Nitanshi Goel
Nitanshi Goel, who made her debut in Kiran Rao’s acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies, was left overwhelmed as she accepted her first major award. Her performance as Phool Kumari in the film won the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Presented the award by veteran actors Boman Irani and Bobby Deol, Nitanshi looked stunning in a ruby-red gown as she took center stage.
An Emotional Moment on Stage
As Nitanshi held the trophy in her hands, emotions got the best of her. Struggling to hold back tears, she expressed her gratitude to the entire film team and her family. “I wasn’t expecting this,” she told ANI in an interview after the event. “I was hoping Laapataa Ladies would win big, but I never thought I would win myself. The other nominees are my idols, and I’m truly honored.”
The young actress beat strong contenders, including Alia Bhatt (Jigra), Katrina Kaif (Merry Christmas), Yami Gautam (Article 370), and Shraddha Kapoor (Stree 2), to win this prestigious award.
Overwhelmed by the Recognition
When asked about her teary-eyed acceptance speech, Nitanshi shared, “It’s something I couldn’t control. Winning this award is a dream come true for any actor, and for me, it happened so soon. I’m just so grateful.”
After the award ceremony, she described the moment she heard her name being announced as the winner. “The first thing I did was cry and try to put together a speech, though I could barely speak. Then I ran to hug my mom and Kiran ma’am. It was a moment filled with happy tears.”
Dream Collaborations for the Future
Looking ahead, Nitanshi is excited about her future in Bollywood. She hopes to work with some of the biggest names in the industry. “There are so many actors I would love to work with, but Shah Rukh sir is at the top of my list, followed by Kartik Aaryan. It would be amazing to share the screen with them.”
About Laapataa Ladies
Laapataa Ladies, internationally known as Lost Ladies, is a 2023 Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by Kiran Rao. The film tells the unique story of two newlywed brides who get mistakenly swapped during a train journey. Featuring an ensemble cast including Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, the film received widespread praise for its storytelling and performances.
Nitanshi Goel’s win at IIFA 2025 is a testament to the power of talent and dedication. Her journey from a debutante to an award-winning actress proves that dreams do come true. Fans and fellow actors are excited to see what the future holds for this rising star!
