Salman Khan starer “Dabangg”, last year’s biggest Indian hit, was adjudged the best film at the glittering 12th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here in Canada. The action-comedy bagged seven awards. Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan was named the best male actor for his performance as an asperger patient in Karan Johar’s “My Name Is Khan,” while Anushka Sharma received the best female actor for her lively role of a wedding planner in “Band Baaja Baraat.”
The city’s Roger’s Centre erupted in cheers Saturday evening when Shah Rukh received the award from Anil Kapoor and Hollywood actress Hillary Swank who greeted the audience with a “Namaste”. Paying tributes to YashJohar, whose seventh death anniversary falls Sunday, King Khan said: “I am glad that I could receive this award on this day. I have received so much love that tonight I am a Torontonian.”
Karan Johar, who got the best director award for “My Name Is Khan” and said: “This is my first IIFA award. It couldn’t have been possible without the brilliance of the protagonist of the film – Shah Rukh Khan. I dedicate it to my dad…I love and miss him.” In all, “Dabangg” bagged seven awards, including best female debut for SonakshiSinha. Presenting the award to Sonakshi, yesteryears’ diva HemaMalini said: “I saw this girl and never thought she will become an actress.”
A beaming Sonakshi said: “Toronto, itnapyar (so much love). Thanks for giving me the gift of IIFA. I will cherish it forever.” Ranvir Singh won the award for best debut male award for his role in “Band Baaja Baaraat” Accepting the award from veteran actor couple RishiKapoor and Neetu Singh, the young actor said: “It is special to me as the award is presented by my idol. (But) it is just the beginning.”
The award for male supporting role went to ArjunRampal for playing a politician in the political thriller Raajneeti. “The ‘Raajneeti’ is very close to my heart…I hope that I can be like Dharamji fifty years in the industry,” said Arjun. Prachi Desai won the trophy for female supporting role for her performace in underworld drama “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai.” Mamta Sharma won the award for best female playback singer for her song “MunniBadnaam” in “Dabanng.”
“I love you so much… Shah Rukh I love you much… Toronto I love you so much,” said Mamta as ArshadWarsi handed her the award in the company of show co-hosts BomanIrani and RiteshDeshmukh as well as Shah Rukh Khan. The award for best male playback singer went to RahatFateh Ali Khan for “Tere mast mast do nain” from “Dabanng.” For best lyrics, the award went to NiranjanIyengar for penning “Sajda” and “Noor-e-Khuda” in “My Name is Khan”. The award was accepted by Karan Johar on his behalf.
For best music direction, the award went to Sajid-Wajid and LalitPandit for “Dabangg”. The award for best story went to ShibaniBathija for “My Name is Khan”. It was presented by Brett Lee, Fardeen Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala.
