Filmfare Awards

Report By Fuad Omar.

The FilmFare Awards came and went with great fanfare and what a night it was. Akshay Kumar and wife Twinkle Khanna walked in hand-in-hand,looking stunning and sporting smiles so bright they could light the earth. Anyone who has been mocking the jodi by saying it won't last or how Akshay won't remain faithful will surely be made to eat their words, because as far as couples go these two look perfect together and very happy. Twinkle wore a backless cool soft lime coloured dress, Akshay looked smart in a white kurta pyjama. When asked how she felt on this awards night which marked their first public appearance together as a married couple, at such a public event, Akshay coaxed Twinkle into saying, "Say naa, it feels nice!" which she did with the smile that hasn't left her since she got married. Asking Akshay the same question and he too beamed as he slyly responded "Whatever my wife says" and with a smile they took their seats. Madhuri looked nothing short of stunning in a glimmering gold sari which clung to her skin as though it was made only for her. I've only met Madhuri twice and both times I've been smitten, she is one eternal beauty who will constantly be the ultimate definition of 'gorgeous'. Still looking as slim as I saw her two weeks ago, she looks even more amazing than ever, and when she bestows upon you her smile while looking your way, trust me guys - that's the stuff dreams are made of!

But enough on the guests, on to the event itself: The verdict is out and the 46th Annual Manikchand Filmfare Awards were a hit all round. Year 2000 began with the phenomenon of the fresh new movie Kaho Naa.Pyaar Hai and I fondly remembered the hysteria as I sat being reminded on the screens of the events of 14 months back and the arrival of a new superstar. Kaho Naa..Pyaar Hai (KNPH) no matter how many people now shout about its flaws, is still a film which took the world by storm and deserved all it got. It took home the maximum number of awards--Best Film, Best Director (Rakesh Roshan), Best Actor (Hrithik Roshan), Best Music Director (Rajesh Roshan), Best Male Newcomer (Hrithik Roshan), Best Screenplay (Ravi Kapoor and Honey Irani), Best Editing (Ravi Verma), Best Choreography (Farah Khan) and last but not least, Best Male Playback Singer (Lucky Ali). As Hrithik went up on stage to collect his statuette, he was trembling as the crowd went crazy. A crowd which also represented the people as this year the awards were open to the public at a price which would help provide relief to the earthquake victims. Amidst thunderous applause, the reigning silver-screen heartthrob said the award was so prestigious that he was scared even to hold it in his hands. The Best Actress award went to Karisma Kapoor for Fiza and deservedly so. It seems finally she has been awarded the title she should thoroughly deserves. It's been a bumpy ride but now at last she is doing work which again illuminates the Kapoor name, unlike the early days when the films being made with her were simply 'masala' movies with her doing parts of a typical 'Hindi film actress' there for the song and dance numbers only. In the Best Actor In a Supporting Role category, Amitabh Bachchan won for his performance in Mohabbatein which has been criticised as he is surely the best actor and his role was parallel to Shahrukh's. But whatever happens, he deserved the award. Wife Jaya Bachchan won the Best Actress In A Supporting Role award for Fiza and was loved by the audience, she has a way with the people and still touches hearts to this day. The Best Performance In A Comic Role went to Paresh Rawal for Hera Pheri while Sunil Shetty got the Best Performance In A Villainous Role award for Dhadkan. Although he did deserve an award for his performance, again it can be disputed as to whether it was a villainous role or parallel lead one. The Filmfare Special Jury Award went to Anu Malik while the Sony Scene of The Year was given to Mohabbatein. Kareena Kapoor's performance in the film Refugee won her the Best Female Newcomer Award. Watch for Kareena, she has an unbelievably good list of films coming and is sure to set the screen on fire this year and next. A star is born.

Amitabh Bachchan's wax model was especially flown in from Madame Tussaud's for the occasion and made news in India. Speaking on the occasion, Amitabh remarked in his trademark baritone that the wax replica had left him "embarrassed, self-conscious and overwhelmed". For a full rundown of the event check next month's Filmfare magazine, which will have a full report as well as exclusive photos of the event and some exclusives of the stars with their awards taken by our favourite ace photographer Subi Samuel . Remember where you read his name first! Speaking of the master lensman, watch this space for some exclusive reports which will reveal for the first time what its like as we spend a day on a photo shoot with Subi Samuel. The main Filmfare awards are as follows, and we congratulate each winner, wishing them every success in the coming year and hope to be providing you with some very exclusive interviews with some of them in the near future:

Best Actor - Hrithik Roshan award given by Sridevi

Best Actress - Karisma Kapoor award given by Sunil Dutt

Best Film - Kaho Naa.. Pyar Hai

Best Actor and Actress (critics award) - Shah Rukh (Mohabbatein) and Tabu (Astitva)

Best Supporting Actor - Amitabh Bachchan for Mohabbatein

Best Supporting Actress - Jaya Bachchan for Fiza

Best Comedian - Paresh Rawal for Hera Pheri

Best Negative Role - Sunil Shetty for Dhadkan

Best Director - Rakesh Roshan for Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai

Best Debut - Female - Kareena Kapoor (Refugee)

Best Debut - Male - Hrithik Roshan (Kaho Na Pyaar Hai)

Best Lyricist - Javed Akhtar (Panchi Nadiya - Refugee)

Best Choreographer - Farah Khan - Ek Pal Ka Jeena (Kaho Na..)

Best Music - Rajesh Roshan (Kaho Na...)

Best Singer - Male - Lucky Ali - Ek Pal Ka Jeena (Kaho Na...)

Best Singer - Female - Alka Yagnik - Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se (Dhadkan)

R.D.Burman Award - Sunidhi Chauhan

Special Jury Award - Anu Malik Sony

Best Scene Award - Mohabbatein

Lifetime Achievement Award - (Actor) Feroz Khan

Lifetime Achievement Award - (Singer) Asha Bhosle