When it comes to Bollywood, there are three crucial factors – glam, good looks and dancing. These were the things that greeted over 10,000 Malaysian fans who made their way to the 16th Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) awards night held at Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
The three-day event saw both Bollywood A-listers and newcomers participating in various events celebrating the Indian cinema scene.
Among those present were Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Kirti Sanon and Tiger Shroff.
Last Friday, Hrithik showed off his mad dancing skills at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur; on Saturday, there was a gala screening of the film Dil Dhadkane Do as well as a fashion extravaganza at Shangri-La KL; and, of course, on Sunday, the awards night took place.
The culmination night was nothing short of a grand celebration with its over-the-top stage setting and one-of-a-kind green carpet.
One star after another walked the green carpet dressed in the sleekest of suits and most elegant of dresses.
Kirti Sanon, an engineer turned actress, receives the best debut (female) award at IIFA for the film Hero Panti. Photo: THE STAR/Norafifi Ehsan
Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh hamming it up with Deepika Padukone at awards night. Photo: IIFA
Shahid Kapoor and his dancers rocked the stage on Sunday. Photo: IIFA
Most of the stars, like Shahid Kapoor – who wore a stylish slim-fit black and grey suit – stopped by to meet fans on the green carpet, waiting behind a long line of barriers. The night also turned out to be a fruitful one for Shahid; the star of Jab We Met and Vivah, won the most coveted Best Actor (Male) award for his outstanding performance in last year’s film Haider.
While most artistes decided to make a simple and classy entrance, star of Kill Dil and Dil Dhadakne Do, Ranveer Singh, dashed onto the green carpet in a shiny red suit, a hat and a walking stick. A bit like the Mad Hatter from Alice In Wonderland. He completed the look by carrying a boom box everywhere he went. Ranveer was certainly the most interesting red suited actor that night.
The other was Hrithik, who got the most screams when he appeared in a velvet red blazer and black pants.
Ranveer was also the co-host for the event, alongside actor Arjun Kapoor. Together, they won over the audience and industry members alike with their witty quips, perfect comic timing and on-stage camaraderie.
To kick off the show, they performed a medley of iconic songs in outrageous costumes.
Shraddha Kapoor’s performance was hot! Photo: IIFA
Anil Kapoor greets his Malaysian fans as he arrives on the green carpet at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Photo: THE STAR/Art Chen
The night also saw Deepika being awarded the IIFA Woman of the Year prize. In response to the win, the graceful actress said: “This one is for the millions of women who inspire me everyday.”
Fresh talents Tiger and Kirti were were awarded the Best Debutant.
When met backstage after the win, Tiger said that he never planned to become an actor, fearingi that he would not be able to live up to his father’s, Jackie Shroff, standards.
He said: “My dad became an overnight star with his performance in Hero, and everyday while making Heropanti, I was worried that I would not be able to do justice to the role.”
Meanwhile Kirti, an engineering graduate, shared that she never thought she’d end up receiving an IIFA award. Similarly, Kay Kay Menon said his win for the Best Actor in a Negative Role (yes, there really is such a category) for his performance inHaider, was totally unexpected.
When the end came, the audience left the stadium star-struck and satisfied.
Here’s the list of winners:
Debut (male): Tiger Shroff, Heropanti
Debut (female): Kirti Sanon, Heropanti
Debut direction: Umang Kumar, Mary Kom
Debut direction: Sajid Nadiadwsla, Kick
Music direction: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, 2States
Playback singer (male): Ankit Tiwari, Galliyaan, Ek Villain
Playback singer (female): Kanika Kapoor, Baby Doll (Ragini MMS2)
Performance in a comic role: Varun Dhavan, Main Tera Hero
Performance in a negative role: Kay Kay Menon, Haider
Performance in a supporting role (male): Riteish Deshmukh, Ek Villain
Performance in a supporting role (female): Tabu, Haider
Regional film: Lai Bhari
Story: Vikas Bahl, Chaitally Parmar & Parvez Shaikh, Queen
Director: Rajkumar Hirani, PK
Performance in a leading role (male): Shahid Kapoor, Haider
Performance in a leading role (female): Kangana Ranaut, Queen
Picture: Queen
Parineeti Chopra showed off her dancing skills. Photo: IIFA
Anushka Sharma had some helping hands… Photo: IIFA
Deepika Padukone receives the IIFA Woman of the Year award. Photo: THE STAR/Art Chen
