Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar and more: Bollywood celebs at IIFM 2017. See pics

The IFFM Award winners were announced at a gala event on Friday at an iconic venue - Melbourne Recital Centre.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is Australia’s annual celebration of films from the Indian subcontinent. While Aishwarya Rai Bachchan hoisted the Indian National flag at the event, Karan Johar, Sushant Singh Rajput and several other Bollywood stars were also spotted.

Bollywood stars dazzle at IIFM 2017.

The IFFM Award winners were announced at a gala event on Friday at an iconic venue - Melbourne Recital Centre. The evening started with an energising performance by the Kakkar sister- Akriti, Prakriti and Sukriti who performed together for the first time in Australia.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Rajkummar Rao.

Karan Johar presents the Diversity Award to Garth Davis for Lion.

Nitesh Tiwari and Tannishtha Chatterjee.

Sushant Singh Rajpur with Mitu Bhowmick Lange.

Karan Johar with Mitu Bhowmick Lange.

Konkona Sen Sharma.

Dangal and Bahubali 2 stole the show at IFFM 2017 with galore of awards. Here’s the list of the winners at Westpac IFFM :

Aishwarya Rai in Melbourne.

Speaking about the win for Popular Choice and Best Director, Nitesh Tiwari said, “This is my international award and it will truly be remembered”.

Expressing his happiness to receive an award, Sushant said,”Thank you so, so much. I’m so honoured. Last time I was in Melbourne it was in 2006 was the Commonwealth Games where I was a backup dancer for the so, so beautiful Bollywood stars and this time I’m here to receive the Best Actor Award.”

Speaking about her win, a delighted Aishwarya said, “I’m so humbled and filed with gratitude to be given this award. We as creative people always wish to do more and I’m far, far away from resting. As an artist I have so much more to explore but it’s great to have this honour. But above all I must thank the fans, who have loved me so immensely and it’s because of you we get to live our dream, our passion “.

In his trademark style, Karan took to stage to receive his award from Simi Garewal and said, “This is my first time in Australia and what a special reason to be present here for it. For me filmmaking is always my first love. It’s amazing how as directors we get to build people, break them emotionally, cheer them and make them feel happy”.

The star studded gala event was also attended by Malaika Arora, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Shoojit Sircar.

The celebrations at the festival aren’t over just yet and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will continue to run until the 22nd August.

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