The IIFA Awards 2025 were full of surprises. One of the biggest moments of the night belonged to Nitanshi Goel. Chhoti packet, bada dhamaka. The 17-year-old actress, who made her Bollywood debut in Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies, took home the Best Actress award.
In a stunning achievement, she won against some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Alia Bhatt (Jigra), Katrina Kaif (Merry Christmas), Yami Gautam (Article 370), and Shraddha Kapoor (Stree 2).
Dressed in a breathtaking ruby-red gown, Nitanshi was visibly emotional as she walked up to receive her award from Boman Irani and Bobby Deol. Her heartfelt acceptance speech touched the audience, as she struggled to hold back tears while expressing her gratitude to her director, co-stars, and family.
“I never imagined I would win,” she later told ANI. She continued, “I was hoping Laapataa Ladies would get recognition, but winning Best Actress myself? That was beyond my expectations. I still can’t believe I stood next to such talented actresses, let alone won among them.”
A Special and Emotional Moment
As soon as her name was announced, Nitanshi broke down in happy tears. The overwhelming moment left her speechless at first, but she quickly gathered herself and delivered a touching speech. “This is something every actor dreams of, and today, it has come true for me,” she said. “The first thing I did was hug my mom and Kiran ma’am. They have been my biggest supporters, and I owe this moment to them.”
Her raw emotions resonated with everyone in the room, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the night. “I guess I’ve now become known for crying on stage,” she laughed later in an interview. “But honestly, how could I not? This is such a big moment for me.”
Exciting Future Plans
With this big win, Nitanshi is now looking forward to more exciting opportunities in Bollywood. She has a wish list of actors she dreams of working with, and at the top of that list is Shah Rukh Khan. “Working with him would be an absolute dream! And of course, I’d also love to work with Kartik Aaryan,” she shared enthusiastically.
Laapataa Ladies : The Film That Made It All Happen
Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies (also known internationally as Lost Ladies) is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the story of two newlywed brides who are mistakenly swapped during a train journey, leading to unexpected adventures. The film stars Nitanshi Goel, along with Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan in key roles.
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With its engaging storytelling, strong performances, and fresh take on traditional themes, the film received widespread appreciation from critics and audiences alike. It not only established Nitanshi Goel as a rising star in Bollywood but also reinforced the power of meaningful and well-crafted cinema.
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From making her debut to winning Best Actress at IIFA 2025, Nitanshi’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary—and with the industry eagerly watching her next move, this is just the beginning of a promising career.
If you haven’t watched Laapataa Ladies yet, don’t miss out! It’s now streaming on Netflix.
