#IFFIWood, 25 November 2025

IFFIESTA 2025, organised by Doordarshan in collaboration with WAVES OTT, concluded after four evenings of vibrant musical showcases, cultural performances and artist interactions, held as part of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa.

Day 1: Grand Inauguration Sets the Tone for Cultural Festivities

The inaugural evening brought together acclaimed personalities including Shri Anupam Kher, Oscar-winning composer Shri M.M. Keeravani, National Award-winning actor Aimee Baruah, Ravi Kottarakara, and South Korean MP-singer Jaewon Kim, along with Shri K. Satish Nambudiripad, Director General, Doordarshan.

DG, Doordarshan highlighted the organisation’s digital transition through WAVES OTT and its commitment to safe family entertainment. Shri Anupam Kher fondly recalled Doordarshan’s role in shaping generations. The evening featured a rendition of Vande Mataram by Jaewon Kim, followed by a live performance by Osho Jain.

Day 2: Bands, Melody and Folk Fusion Enthral Audiences

Hosted by Neetu Chandra and Niharica Raizada, Day 2 witnessed a dynamic Battle of Bands between The Bandits (India) and Beats of Love (International).

Suron Ka Eklavya, featuring Pratibha Singh Baghel and guest performers, captivated audiences, while Vusat Iqbal Khan presented Folk & Fusion – Mitti Ki Awaaz under the Waah Ustad segment.

Day 3: Sufi, Bhakti and High-Energy Performances Mark the Evening

Hosted by Niharica Raizada, Day 3 included a musical contest between MH43 (India) and The Swastik (International).

Suron Ka Eklavya presented a soulful lineup led by Pratibha Singh Baghel, followed by the Waah Ustad showcases titled Sufi & Bhakti – Ishq Aur Bhakti Ki Ek Sur, offering audiences a blend of devotion and musical finesse.

Day 4: Folk Art, Cinema Fusion and Grand Finale Celebrate India’s Cultural Range

The final evening, hosted by Niharica Raizada, featured a Battle of Bands between The Vairagis (India) and Knights.

The audience enjoyed Devanchal ki Prem Katha, a live Himachali folk showcase featuring Raza Murad, Ather Habib, Kirti Nagpure, Dinesh Vaidya, Milan Singh, and Aditi Shastri.

The Waah Ustad finale — Raga & Cinema Fusion: Sur Se Cinema Tak — brought together classical virtuosity and cinematic melody, concluding the festivities on a high note.

All four evenings were telecast live on DD Bharati, streamed on WAVES OTT, with highlights on DD National. IFFIESTA 2025 ended with powerful performances and heartfelt moments, reflecting the artistic diversity and cultural energy that define IFFI. As the festival concluded, the joy, rhythm and cinematic spirit of IFFIESTA continued to resonate with audiences.

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Jaydevi Pujari Swami/Edgar Coelho/Mohammad Aqib Khan/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 074