The 20th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards will be hosted for the first time in India next month. At the press conference of IIFA awards Thursday night, the organizers revealed that the event will be organised in Mumbai on September 16 and 18. On the sidelines of the event, Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit who was in the panel along with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, engaged in a candid conversation with Republic Media Network and expressed her excitement over the award show coming to India.

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Answering the most-anticipated question of which film should get the award for the best screenplay, Madhuri Dixit said that there are a number of aspirants this year. Talking about some of the films she has watched and admired, Madhuri Dixit mentioned Ayushmann Khurrana's 'Badhaai Ho', 'Article 15', and Vicky Kaushal's 'Uri: The Surgical Strike.'

"It is such a tough competition this year. There are such good films... may the best man win. There were a number of films that I watched. There are 'Badhaai Ho', 'Uri' and 'Article 15', which I really loved," Madhuri Dixit said.

Madhuri Dixit admires Rekha

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Recalling one of her favourite moments from the long association with IIFA, Madhuri Dixit said, "There are so many memories associated with IIFA, I have performed in IIFA, went to so many different countries. But one of the most memorable for me is one of the performances which was sone by Rekha ji. It was so beautiful and I just love her. It was so beautiful to see her perform on stage after 20 years. I think that was one of my favorite moments."

Madhuri Dixit to pay tribute to Saroj Khan at IIFA 2019

Confirming that she will be performing in IIFA this year, Madhuri Dixit said that her performance is a tribute to veteran choreographer Saroj Khan. 

READ | IIFA 2019: Madhuri Dixit To Pay Tribute To Choreographer Saroj Khan

Hailing the choreographer as extremely talented, Madhuri Dixit said, "We have a lovely association for such a long time. Saroj Khan is a very very talented lady, someone I look up to. She has left a legacy of songs in Bollywood. I think Bollywood dancing wouldn't be the same without her." 

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IIFA Awards 2019

The IIFA Awards started in London in 2000 and over 20 years it has traveled through 12 countries. This year, the star-studded award ceremony will witness some stellar performances by a host of celebrities including Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal and newbie Sara Ali Khan. The prestigious award night will be broadcasted on Colors Viacom18 for the fifth consecutive year.