At the IIFA 2027 press meet in Mumbai on Thursday, the stage was stacked with Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. But Varun Dhawan used his moment at the mic to steer the conversation back to the work itself. The actor, set to make his hosting debut at the 27th Indian International Film Academy Awards, argued that award shows have drifted from what they should be celebrating.
“I feel today at film awards we talk about everything but films,” Varun said. For him, that includes the people behind the camera.
A technician’s son makes the case
Varun added a personal reason for his stance. He grew up as a technician’s son, he said, and feels the respect technicians once commanded has faded.
Salman Khan, who was on stage with him, pushed back lightly, saying things have changed. Varun agreed, adding that this time Salman Bhai had made sure technicians would get their due.
The hosting promise: bring it back to films
Varun will host the 27th edition alongside Ananya Panday, Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul. His promise for the Abu Dhabi ceremony is simple: make the evening about cinema. He said he wants to make IIFA 2027 only about films and be “a little unhinged, and honest” in the role.
When he asked Salman for hosting tips, the reply was classic Salman: “Don’t host. Six hours go into hosting. Best is to perform and leave.”
IIFA 2027 at a glance
- The 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place on January 22–23, 2027, in Abu Dhabi.
- This is IIFA’s fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral.
- Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor are expected to perform.
- The awards will honour the best Hindi films of the 2026 calendar year.
Why this matters for awards watchers
Award nights often live or die by their performances, monologues and viral moments. Varun’s comments are a reminder that craft categories — editing, sound, production design and cinematography — shape how a film actually feels. When technicians are treated as an afterthought, the message sent to young film workers is loud.
Whether IIFA 2027 truly becomes “only about films” will show in how much airtime is given to below-the-line wins, not just in what the host says on stage.
Source: Hindustan Times
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