Varun and Salman vow focus on films; technicians get due

Varun Dhawan believes award ceremonies should celebrate cinema in its entirety, including the technicians and crew members who work behind the scenes to bring stories to life. Speaking at the IIFA 2027 press conference in Mumbai, the actor expressed concern over the lack of recognition for technicians at award shows and said he hopes the upcoming edition will put films, performances and the people who make them possible at the centre of the celebrations.Varun, whose father, filmmaker David Dhawan, has spent decades in the film industry, also stressed the importance of acknowledging the contributions of those working behind the camera.

Varun Dhawan on recognition for technicians at award shows

Speaking about the changing culture of award ceremonies, Varun said technicians and other members of a film’s crew deserve greater recognition for their contributions.“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,” the actor said.Varun’s remarks highlighted the importance of recognising the collaborative effort behind filmmaking, rather than limiting the spotlight to actors and their performances.

Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan on bringing the focus back to cinema

Salman Khan, who was on stage during the interaction, interjected to point out that things were changing. Agreeing with him, Varun said the upcoming edition of IIFA would make an effort to give films and their creators the respect they deserve.“Now it is given more credit. This time, Salman Bhai has made sure that it will be given respect. 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,” he said.

IIFA 2027 dates, venue and expected line-up

Several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Pankaj Tripathi and Shahid Kapoor, attended the IIFA 2027 press conference in Mumbai.The 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards is scheduled to take place on January 22 and 23, 2027, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.Varun Dhawan, Ananya Panday, Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul are reportedly associated with the hosting line-up. Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor are also expected to perform, while Rashmika Mandanna is set to make her first appearance at IIFA, according to reports.