Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Varun Dhawan to Champion Film Technicians at IIFA 2027 Hosting Debut
Actor Varun Dhawan will make his first appearance as host at the International Indian Film Academy Awards next year, pledging to spotlight the vital contributions of behind-the-scenes crews often overlooked at major award ceremonies.
LSN India ·
Varun Dhawan is set to take on hosting duties at IIFA 2027, marking his debut in the role. The actor has signaled his commitment to using the platform to recognize and celebrate the technical teams whose work is fundamental to filmmaking but frequently remains in the shadows during award season.
In addressing the longstanding imbalance at industry recognition events, Dhawan has expressed his intention to ensure that cinematographers, sound engineers, editors, production designers, and other below-the-line professionals receive appropriate acknowledgment alongside performers and directors. His approach reflects growing calls within the Indian film industry for more comprehensive recognition of cinema's collaborative nature.
The IIFA Awards, one of Bollywood's most prominent international platforms, attracts significant viewership and media attention across South Asia and the diaspora. By emphasizing technical excellence and crew contributions during his tenure, Dhawan aims to shift the narrative around how the industry celebrates cinematic achievement.
The move aligns with broader industry discussions about ensuring equitable recognition at major award shows, where categories honoring technical expertise have traditionally received less airtime and spotlight compared to acting categories. Dhawan's hosting platform will provide an opportunity to elevate these conversations on a major stage.
Photo: Varun Dhawan at the IIFA Awards, July 2017. Laura Lee Dooley via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).