Setting the stage for IIFA 2026, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards, the world’s most prestigious celebration of Indian cinema, officially launched IIFA Connex, a curated platform bringing together influential voices from across media, entertainment, fashion, business, culture and creativity to foster meaningful conversations, collaborations and contemporary thought leadership.
Set within a relaxed and intimate lounge-style setting, the evening was designed to encourage conversation and connection over cocktails with the industry, creating a premium networking experience for the wider creative ecosystem.
Beyond IIFA’s iconic Green Carpet, IIFA Connex debuted as the definitive forum for entertainment strategy, collaboration and industry dialogue, envisioned as a dynamic monthly platform and networking destination for the Indian entertainment industry and the broader creative community.
Bringing together some of the brightest minds across entertainment, culture, business and creativity, the premiere edition of IIFA Connex established itself as a space where industries converge and conversations matter; where film, media, fashion, arts, music, business and culture intersect to shape the future. More than a celebrity-driven gathering, IIFA Connex emerged as a forum for insight, relevance, innovation and forward-thinking exchange.
The inaugural edition of IIFA Connex, titled ‘From Styled to Screen’, explored the enduring relationship between cinema and style, celebrating the creative forces that continue to shape aspiration, identity and popular culture in India and globally.
Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, expressed the vision behind the initiative, saying, “For many years, I have felt there was a need for a space within our industry that goes beyond red carpets, formalities and commercial agendas, a space where people can genuinely come together to connect, exchange ideas, discover new perspectives and simply enjoy meaningful conversation in a relaxed and inspiring environment. With IIFA Connex, that vision begins to take shape. It is designed as a contemporary meeting ground for the creative community, where entertainment, fashion, media, business, music, culture and innovation naturally intersect. A place where established voices and emerging talent alike can engage openly, collaborate organically and build relationships that may inspire the future. The idea is not to create another industry event, but rather to curate an atmosphere and community people genuinely want to be part of, one that encourages thought, creativity, networking and cultural exchange without pressure or pretence. Somewhere conversations can flow as naturally as the environment itself.
“IIFA has always believed in building bridges through cinema and culture, and IIFA Connex is an extension of that philosophy in a more intimate, progressive and contemporary format. We want it to evolve into a recurring hub for creative thinking, collaboration and connection across industries, while still feeling warm, enjoyable, relaxed and socially engaging for everyone who walks into the room.”
Setting the tone for IIFA 2026, it was an evening of style, strategy and cultural Exchange, Karan Johar, a defining voice in contemporary Indian cinema whose influence extends beyond film into fashion, luxury, popular culture and global entertainment expressed, “IIFA has always been much more than an event for me; it’s been family, celebration and an important part of my journey through cinema. What I’ve always admired is IIFA’s ability to keep evolving and creating platforms that move the industry forward. That’s what makes IIFA Connex so exciting it feels fresh, relevant and like a space where creativity, culture and meaningful conversations can truly come together.‘From Styled to Screen’ felt like the perfect way to begin because fashion and cinema have always shared a powerful relationship. Some of our most iconic film moments have been shaped not just by performances, but by style itself. Sharing the stage with Anaita made for a wonderfully candid evening and if this launch is anything to go by, IIFA Connex is off to a very exciting start. Congratulations to the IIFA family on another innovative initiative and I’m already looking forward to returning as a guest for another edition.”
Globally acclaimed stylist, costume designer and creative force behind some of Indian entertainment’s most defining fashion moments, Anaita Shroff Adajania said, “Cinema is the ultimate canvas for style, and right now, with India firmly at the centre of the global fashion conversation, it feels like the perfect moment for IIFA Connex.‘From Styled to Screen’ is not just about revisiting iconic looks, it’s about understanding how Indian storytelling continues to influence and shape global trends. Style in cinema has never been just aesthetic for me, it’s integral to character, to narrative, to the cultural moments that stay with us long after the film ends. I’m truly excited to be part of this inaugural edition, at a time when India’s creative voice feels more confident, more visible, and more powerful than ever on the world stage.”
