23 October,2026 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Varun Dhawan pic via Yogen Shah
Actor Varun Dhawan believes awards shows should prioritise commemorating cinema and the people who bring stories to life. At the IIFA 2027 press conference in Mumbai, the actor raised concerns about the evolving nature of award ceremonies and said he hopes the upcoming edition will honour films, performances, and the technicians behind the camera.
Varun Dhawan, son of filmmaker David Dhawan, said technicians and other crew members deserve greater appreciation and recognition at award ceremonies. He also emphasised that celebrating cinema should remain the major purpose of such award ceremonies.
"I feel that these days award shows, everything is not about films. We have come here to celebrate films, actors, performances and technicians. I am the son of a technician. So, I always feel that the importance that we used to give to technicians or the people who used to make films is not being given these days," Varun said.
However, Salman, who was present on the stage at that time, quickly interrupted Varun, saying that things are changing. Agreeing with his statement, Varun added, "Now it is given more credit. This time, Salman Bhai has made sure that it will be given respect."
The Badlapur actor also added, "At IIFA 2027, we are going to make sure that this award is going to be only about films. Obviously, all the sponsors, you all are very important guys. But we have to bring it back to films. I am going to try and be a little unhinged and a little honest this time."
The IIFA 2027 press conference saw the attendance of several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Pankaj Tripathi and Shahid Kapoor, among others. The 27th edition of the IIFA Awards is slated to take place on January 22 and 23, 2027, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Varun, Ananya Panday, Karan Johar and Manish Paul are reportedly set to take over the hosting duties this time. Salman, Kareena and Janhvi Kapoor are among the stars expected to perform, while Rashmika Mandanna will be making her IIFA stage debut.
