Mumbai: Mohammed Nagaman Lateef, who serves as Talent Head at Balaji Telefilms, and is leading the Hoonur initiative across Balaji’s film, television and digital divisions, says he started the International Iconic Awards in an attempt to give people a chance to create an impact rather than just enjoying fame. Seeing so much talent in the industry closely, pushed him to give them a platform to showcase their talent.
He said, “I felt like there was a lot of talent that wasn’t getting that spotlight, especially the people who are actually iconic in their work but don’t always get the big stage. I wanted to create a platform where it’s not just about fame but about impact. There was a gap where real, raw talent and international potential weren’t being combined, and I wanted to fill it with something grand and global.”
His vision was simple: recognition that actually counts. He said, “I wanted artists to feel that when they hold this trophy, it means they’ve achieved something truly ‘iconic.’ I wanted to create an impact where the industry looks at our winners and says, ‘Yes, they are the trendsetters.’ It was always about giving creators a boost so they feel their hard work is seen by the whole world, not just a small circle.”
Starting an awards platform is never easy, and Nagaman revealed the biggest challenge was definitely getting people to believe in a new property. He said, “People ask, ‘why another award show?’ So, convincing the industry, getting the right people on board, and managing the scale were tough. Many times, people don’t see your vision until it’s a hit. But I stayed straightforward and kept pushing because I knew the potential was huge.”
The word ‘iconic’ carries a lot of weight, and he revealed that he is very choosy about who they recognize. He said, “It’s not just about who is trending today; it’s about who has a story and who is making a real difference. We look at their journey and their contribution to the craft. If you aren’t making a meaningful mark, then you aren’t iconic. It’s as simple as that. My team and I ensure the quality of talent always stays top-notch.”
Nagaman shared that the International Iconic Awards has grown tremendously. He said, “We see actors, influencers, and creators from all over coming together. The diversity is the best part; we have talent from different languages and different platforms. Every year, it gets bigger, more controversial, more loved, and more global. I’m so happy that the world is recognizing what we are building here.”
What is your long-term vision for the International Iconic Awards? “To make it the biggest global benchmark. I want it to be a show that every artist dreams of attending. I hope it influences the industry to be more inclusive and to recognize talent purely on merit. We want to be the bridge between Indian talent and the global stage. It’s a long journey, but I’m open to all the possibilities to make this the most iconic thing ever,” Nagaman ended.
