Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ The IIFA Awards 2025 witnessed a remarkable moment as 17-year-old Nitanshi Goel emerged victorious in the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Female) category, surpassing seasoned Bollywood stars such as Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Yami Gautam, and Shraddha Kapoor. The young actress, who made her Bollywood debut in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, was emotional as she accepted the prestigious honor for her role as Phool Kumari in the critically acclaimed film. Presented with the award by Bollywood veterans Boman Irani and Bobby Deol, Nitanshi looked stunning in a ruby-red gown, capturing the attention of the audience.
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During her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the film’s cast and crew, as well as her family. The actress, clearly moved by the win, could not hold back her tears as she took the stage. Nitanshi shared her disbelief, saying, “I wasn’t expecting this. The other nominees are incredible, and I’m a huge fan of all of them. I’m truly overwhelmed by the love I’ve received.” She added, “Honestly, I couldn’t stop crying because winning this award is a dream come true for every actor, and it’s finally come true for me. I’m just so grateful.” Reflecting on her future aspirations, she revealed her excitement about working with renowned Bollywood stars. “There are so many people on my list,” she said. “But Shah Rukh sir tops the chart, followed by Kartik Aaryan. It would be amazing to work with any of them.”
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Born and raised in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Nitanshi Goel’s journey into the entertainment industry began at a young age. She won the Miss Pantaloons Junior Fashion Icon title in 2015 and appeared in major brand advertisements for companies like Biba, Amul, and Indica Hair Color. Her career took off as a television actress at the age of 9, with roles in popular shows such as Naagarjuna: Ek Yoddha, Ishqbaaz, and Thapki Pyaar Ki. In addition to her television roles, Nitanshi has made her mark in Bollywood films, including M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Indu Sarkar, and Hurdang. She has also appeared in web series like Love Sleep Repeat and Inside Edge 2.
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Beyond acting, Nitanshi is a trained Kathak dancer and singer, and her growing popularity on social media has earned her more than 11 million followers, making her one of India’s youngest influencers. Nitanshi completed her schooling at The Khaitan School and Ryan International School, Noida. With her recent IIFA win, she has solidified her place as one of Bollywood’s rising stars, setting the stage for what is sure to be an extraordinary career. Laapataa Ladies, the film for which she won the award, was also selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2023, though it did not make it to the nominations. Directed by Kiran Rao, the comedy-drama about two brides mistakenly exchanged during a train ride continues to garner praise worldwide for its storytelling and performances.
