Ahmedabad – As the sun sets over the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad is turning into a dazzling epicenter of Bollywood glamour. Tonight, the EKA Arena by TransStadia will host the 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025, presented by Gujarat Tourism, marking a historic second consecutive year for the state after last year’s event in GIFT City. Known for honouring excellence in Hindi cinema, the Filmfare Awards continue to be one of India’s most prestigious entertainment events, celebrating artistry, talent, and unforgettable performances.

The big night begins with a star-studded red carpet, followed by the main ceremony featuring dazzling performances and heartfelt tributes to the Hindi film industry’s finest from 2024. The event kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, promising an evening of cinematic excellence, high-octane acts, and special moments for fans and industry insiders alike.

Venue and Setup

The EKA Arena, renowned for hosting grand events and concerts, has been turned into a stunning stage with top-notch lighting, production, and design. Highlights include cultural nods to Gujarat, including visuals inspired by its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic architecture. With Gujarat Tourism as the presenting partner, the awards spotlight the state’s rich heritage, hospitality, and growing prominence as a film and tourism destination.

Hosts

The hosting lineup is nothing short of legendary. Shah Rukh Khan returns as host after nearly 17 years, joined by Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul. The trio promises a night full of humour, emotion, and classic Filmfare charm, keeping the audience engaged with witty banter and stage magic.

Star Arrivals Light Up Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad’s skies buzzed with private jets and commercial flights as A-listers arrived throughout Friday and early Saturday. Shah Rukh Khan touched down to thunderous applause, later seen leaving late-night rehearsals at EKA Arena in his signature style. Joining him were co-hosts Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul.

Other notable arrivals include:

• Akshay Kumar, making a high-energy entry on a sports bike.

• Abhishek Bachchan and Kriti Sanon, fresh from their acclaimed 2024 roles.

• Sanya Malhotra, Abhimanyu Dassani, and Pratik Gandhi, representing the new talent wave.

• Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan, and Navya Naveli Nanda, making a chic family appearance.

• Smriti Irani, the former Union Minister, adding a touch of political star power.

• Anu Malik, veteran composer, reminiscing about Ahmedabad and the event’s cultural significance.

Fans have been thronging Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport since yesterday, eager to catch glimpses of their favourites.

Performances and Highlights

The night will feature live performances by Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, and Siddhant Chaturvedi. For Ananya and Siddhant, this marks their debut Filmfare stage appearance, adding fresh energy to the celebrations. Surprise celebrity acts are also expected to keep the audience on their toes.

Nominations, announced on September 26, spotlight 2024’s breakout hits. Laapataa Ladies leads with 24 nods, including Best Film and Best Director for Kiran Rao. Other frontrunners include 12th Fail and women-led narratives like Crew and Mr. & Mrs. Mahi. Categories such as Best Actor (Critics) and Debut awards highlight emerging voices, with public voting influencing technical and popular choices. Special lifetime achievement honors and surprise upsets are anticipated, blending nostalgia with innovation.

Tickets and Viewing Options

Tickets, priced from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000, sold out swiftly via District and BookMyShow, with QR-coded wristbands ensuring seamless entry. Fans watching from home can catch highlights and backstage moments across Filmfare’s social media and partner platforms.

A Boost for Gujarat’s Global Spotlight

This edition underscores Gujarat’s rising stature as a film and tourism hub. The awards will showcase the state’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and burgeoning infrastructure, inviting global audiences to “Kuchh Din To Guzaro Gujarat Mein” (Spend Some Days in Gujarat). Last year’s event drew over a million viewers and boosted the local economy by 20%, with organizers expecting an even greater impact this year.

As rehearsals wrapped late last night and the red carpet preparations intensify, Ahmedabad pulses with anticipation. Tonight, under the stars at EKA Arena, Bollywood will not just celebrate its past and present—it will script the future of Indian cinema. Stay tuned for live updates as the Black Lady finds her new homes. DeshGujarat