Key Points:
- Shah Rukh Khan returns to host Filmfare Awards after 17 years, joining Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul as co-hosts for the 70th edition on October 11, 2025
- First-ever Filmfare Awards ceremony held outside Mumbai, taking place at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, starting at 7:30 PM
- Ticket prices range from ₹7,500 to higher tiers, with performances by Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Ananya Panday, Kriti Sanon, and Siddhant Chaturvedi
- Laapataa Ladies creates history with record-breaking 24 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 23 held by “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”
- Kill follows with 15 nominations, while Stree 2 receives 14 nominations in various categories
- Event held in partnership with Gujarat Tourism as part of the state’s Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022
- Shah Rukh Khan was spotted rehearsing nostalgic dance numbers, including “Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai” from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
- Fans gathered outside the venue at 3 AM to catch a glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan during rehearsals
Mumbai: Bollywood’s most prestigious night, the 70th Filmfare Awards, is set to create history as it moves beyond Mumbai for the first time, taking place at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on October 11, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM. The ceremony marks a significant milestone not just for its landmark 70th edition, but for the triumphant return of Shah Rukh Khan as host after a 17-year hiatus, promising an evening of nostalgia, glamour, and cinematic celebration.
King Khan’s Spectacular Return
Shah Rukh Khan’s return to hosting duties has generated unprecedented excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. The superstar, who last hosted the awards in 2008, will share the stage with longtime collaborator Karan Johar and seasoned host Maniesh Paul, recreating the magic that made previous editions memorable. Videos from rehearsals show Shah Rukh turning back the clock, dancing to his 1998 hit “Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai” from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, complete with the original choreography that defined 90s Bollywood romance.
The enthusiasm surrounding his return is evident from fan behavior, with crowds gathering outside the EKA Arena at 3 AM just to catch a glimpse of the actor during rehearsals. Shah Rukh expressed his excitement in an official statement, saying, “From the first time I held the Black Lady in my hands, to sharing countless memories with my colleagues and fans over the years, it’s been a journey of love, cinema, and magic. To return as a co-host for the 70th year is truly special, and I promise we’ll make it a night to remember, full of laughter, nostalgia, and celebration of the movies we all love”.
Previously, Shah Rukh co-hosted the ceremony with Saif Ali Khan in 2003 and 2004, creating some of the most memorable moments in Filmfare history with their trademark wit and humor. His partnership with Karan Johar in 2007, followed by the 2008 ceremony where he shared hosting duties with Saif Ali Khan, Karan Johar, and Vidya Balan, established him as one of the most beloved awards show hosts in Indian cinema.
Gujarat’s Cinematic Milestone
The decision to hold the awards in Gujarat represents a strategic partnership between Worldwide Media Private Limited and the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), formalized through an MoU signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This initiative aligns with Gujarat’s Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022, which aims to establish the state as an emerging hub for the film industry and promote cinema-related tourism.
The EKA Arena at Kankaria Lake provides a spectacular backdrop for the ceremony, marking the first time in Filmfare’s 70-year history that the prestigious awards are being held outside Mumbai. This geographic shift symbolizes Bollywood’s expanding reach and the growing importance of regional markets in Indian cinema.
Tickets for the grand event are being sold through District by Zomato, the official ticketing partner, with prices starting from ₹7,500 and going up to premium tiers. The pricing structure reflects the ceremony’s status as a premium entertainment experience, attracting both film industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts from across the country.
Star-Studded Performances Lineup
The 70th Filmfare Awards promises a spectacular array of performances featuring some of Bollywood’s biggest names. Akshay Kumar, known for his energetic stage presence, will be joined by Abhishek Bachchan, who brings his own unique charm to award show performances. The younger generation will be represented by Ananya Panday, Kriti Sanon, and Siddhant Chaturvedi, ensuring a perfect blend of established stars and rising talents.
According to Filmfare organizers, audiences can also expect surprise performances from other leading Bollywood celebrities, adding an element of unpredictability to the evening. The performance lineup reflects the industry’s current dynamics, showcasing both veteran actors who have dominated box office collections and emerging stars who represent the future of Hindi cinema.
The rehearsal videos showing Shah Rukh Khan recreating iconic dance moves suggest that the host himself might deliver some memorable performances, potentially featuring songs from his illustrious career spanning over three decades. His casual rehearsal attire of a grey sweatshirt and cargo pants contrasted with the elaborate staging hints at the production scale planned for the main event.
Record-Breaking Nominations Create History
Kiran Rao’s directorial venture “Laapataa Ladies” has created Filmfare history by securing an unprecedented 24 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 23 nominations held by Shah Rukh Khan’s “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”. This achievement is particularly significant as it represents recognition for a film that championed women’s empowerment and rural storytelling, themes that have gained prominence in contemporary Indian cinema.
The nominations span multiple categories, with the film competing in major sections including Best Film, Best Director, and various technical categories. If “Laapataa Ladies” wins more than 13 awards tonight, it will break the record currently held by “Gully Boy,” establishing a new benchmark for Filmfare recognition.
The action thriller “Kill” follows with 15 nominations, demonstrating the academy’s appreciation for the film’s innovative action sequences and technical excellence. The movie’s recognition across categories, including Best Action, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing, reflects the industry’s growing sophistication in producing high-quality action entertainment.
“Stree 2” secured 14 nominations, continuing the horror-comedy franchise’s success with both audiences and critics. The film’s nominations in categories ranging from acting to technical achievements showcase the versatility required to excel in the genre-blending approach that has become increasingly popular in Bollywood.
Technical Excellence Recognition
The technical awards announced on September 26, 2025, highlight the industry’s growing emphasis on craftsmanship and production values. Categories including Best Editing, Best Production Design, Best Choreography, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Background Score recognize the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the crucial role of behind-the-camera talent.
“Kill” dominates several technical categories with nominations for Best Editing (Shivkumar V. Panicker), Best Production Design (Mayur Sharma), Best Cinematography (Rafey Mehmood), and Best Sound Design (Subhash Sahoo). This recognition underscores the film’s technical achievement in creating visceral action sequences that elevated Indian cinema’s action genre standards.
“Laapataa Ladies” competes strongly in technical categories with nominations for Best Background Score (Ram Sampath), Best Costume Design (Darshan Jalan), and Best Cinematography (Vikash Nowlakha). The film’s technical nominations complement its narrative recognition, suggesting comprehensive excellence in both storytelling and execution.
Prestigious Legacy Continues
The Filmfare Awards, first presented in 1954 with only five categories, have evolved into India’s most prestigious film recognition platform, now honoring excellence across more than 30 categories. The inaugural ceremony recognized Meena Kumari for “Baiju Bawra,” establishing a tradition of celebrating artistic achievement that continues seven decades later.[4]
Shah Rukh Khan’s participation as host adds another layer to his already impressive Filmfare legacy, where he shares the record for most Best Actor wins (eight) with legendary actor Dilip Kumar. His first Best Actor win came for “Baazigar” in 1993, marking the beginning of a career that would define modern Bollywood stardom.
The ceremony’s evolution from a simple recognition event to a grand spectacle reflects the growth of Indian cinema itself, from regional entertainment to a global cultural phenomenon. Tonight’s awards will not only celebrate the best films of the past year but also honor 70 years of cinematic legacy that has entertained millions and established Bollywood as a significant cultural force.
The combination of Shah Rukh Khan’s return, the historic venue change, record-breaking nominations, and star-studded performances positions the 70th Filmfare Awards as a landmark event that bridges Bollywood’s glorious past with its promising future. As the ceremony unfolds at the EKA Arena, it will create new memories while celebrating the enduring magic of Indian cinema that has captivated audiences for seven decades.
