A sneak peek at the Filmfare Awards 2009

With the Oscars just finished and the victorious Indian brigade back, it was time for the Filmfare Awards. The prestigious awards function held at Yash Raj studios in Andheri had a glittering array of stars from the world of film with stalwarts like the Bachchan family, Rekha, Yash Chopra, SRK, Karan Johar and many more. Not to be left behind were the fast rising newcomers, who set the pace for the function, with Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan hosting the show.

The highlights of the show were not just the awards but the performances that left the audience in absolute wonder. Here's a quick look at what happened at the Filmfare Awards this year:

Starting off this trail of spectacular showmanship were Imran and Ranbir, the hosts for the evening. Infusing young blood into the age old industry has always thrown up stunning performances. The duo were quite literally the life of the evening, engaging the audience as well as tickling the funny side of all present, with their constant antics and spoofs on recent hit films.

With Imran as his uncle from the record breaking Ghajini and Ranbir as SRK from Rab Ne..., the act surely garnered laughs and applauds as the cold war between the Khan's seems to die down. But if you thought that this was the high point, then you are wrong, as the duo accompanied by Karan seemed to be engaged in a spoof on Dostana.

How can there be any event without a local rock band performance!

They live for the magic in the sound, distorted guitars breaking ground, the drums pounding faster than thy heart, the vocals screaming extreme art, the passion for music drove them forth, the best of it coming from their oath. The powerful tunes, a spectacular show, the audience screams in ecstasy… that was exactly what it was like, when Farhan Akhtar and group (Ehsaan and Loy) set the sound waves churning with renditions from their film Rock On!

It's not everyday that a newcomer whose film hasn't yet released gets a chance to perform live at an awards nite. But with Jackky Bhagnani the case was a bit different, as he set the tempo racing with an energetic and awe-inspiring dance performance on a track from his upcoming film.

Helping him find a way to the other side will be his film Kal Kissne Dekha, and maybe this aspiring star will reach the zenith of the fame and popularity in films. We wish him luck with his debut film.

In the end we have the star who currently is at the best phase of his career. He is none other than Shahid Kapoor. After his film Jab We Met, he was bestowed with the nickname Sha-Hit Kapoor. However, it wasn't just his acting that got him that acclaim, as it is visibly evident from his performance that he can quite literally set the stage afire with his dance performance. Whatever be the case, Shahid gave the audiences a lot to watch and think about with his chiseled physique and stunning moves.

However, the best part of the entire award ceremony was the line up of celebrities. How often will you ever get a chance to see the Bachchan parivaar and the King Khan sit side by side? Also present were Yash Chopra, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Rekha along with a big array of stars including the Slumdog Millionaire kids.

Check out the telecast of the 54th Idea Filmfare Awards 2009 on Sunday, March 8, at 8 pm on Sony Entertainment Television.

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When Big B ignored Rekha

Much as we would like to lay old ghosts to rest, they keep rising up and grabbing our eyeballs.

Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha have spawned a million stories, some on film and some in real life. But what happened on the evening of Feb 28 at the 54th Idea Filmfare Awards is a story in pictures.

At the end of the function Rekha stood and greeted SRK who acknowledged it with a bow. She moved on to Abhishek Bachchan next. The bonhomie was obvious as she kissed his cheek. She then warmly hugged the Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya. She was just about to disengage from Ash and greet the person sitting last on the row – Amitabh. There was a minute of suspense, as the media waited for a photo-op of a lifetime. But... Before Rekha could turn his way, Amitabh got up, and walked away.

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Asin: I’m here to stay

Asin received the Best Debutante Award, but the lovely girl felt a bit “weird” about it.

“It feels a little funny to receive a debut award after you’ve done a few films. But yes, Ghajini is my first Hindi film. I got a Filmfare Award even for my South Ghajini at the South Filmfare awards. I enjoy cinema, be it Bollywood or South. I love the grandeur of these awards and I’m not going to leave Bollywood so soon. I’m addicted to it already. But that doesn’t make South cinema any less.

I love South cinema, and will continue to be a part of it for as long as I live. I’ll do movies in whichever part of India, the only pre-requisite is that the script has to be interesting,” she says. So that’s the North and South of Asin’s story so far!

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Worst Dressed at the 54th Filmfare Awards

Everyone was quite well turned out at the 54th Filmfare Awards so it was hard to pick the ones who didn’t rock the red carpet. Here’s a look at some who got their outfit all wrong.

Gift-Wrapped? Riya Sen’s shocking red dress looks like it has been made from wrinkled gift wrapping paper and it hurts the eye. She should have taken tips from her elegantly dressed sister.


Boring: Sush’s plain black gown is just boring and yawn-worthy and her make up isn’t extraordinary either. The black scarf will not jazz up the outfit, so she neednt bother. A little cleavage might have helped


What was Sukhwinder thinking? Attention grabbing Chanel locket that looks fake, striped tee, gaudy jacket, big belt and denims. Could anyone dress worse than him?


Striped: We don’t exactly hate this gown but the stripes are too many and too distracting. The style flattens her shape. We don’t like the black flares. Her make up and hair isn’t great either. We want the impeccably dressed Piggy Chops back!

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Winners of 54th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Hrithik Roshan - Jodhaa Akbar

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Priyanka Chopra - Fashion

BEST FILM
Jodhaa Akbar - Ashutosh Gowariker & Ronnie Screwvala

BEST DIRECTOR
Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (MALE)
Arjun Rampal - Rock On!!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (FEMALE)
Kangana Ranaut - Fashion

BEST DEBUTANT (Male)
Imran Khan - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Farhan Akhtar - Rock On!!

BEST DEBUTANT (Female)
Asin - Ghajini

BEST STORY
Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On!!

BEST SCREENPLAY
Yogesh Vinayak Joshi & Upendra Sidhaye - Mumbai Meri Jaan

BEST DIALOGUE
Manu Rishi - Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

BEST BACKGROUND SCORE
A. R. Rahman - JODHAA AKBAR

BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
A. R. Rahman - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na

BEST LYRICS
Javed Akhtar - Jodhaa Akbar - Jashn-e-Bahara

R. D. BURMAN AWARD
Benny Dayal - Yuvvraaj - Meri Dost Hain

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE)
Sukhwinder Singh - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Haule Haule

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (FEMALE)
Shreya Ghoshal - Singh Is Kinng - Teri Ore

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
Prateik Babbar - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Purab Kohli - Rock On!!

BEST DIRECTOR (CRITIC)
Nishikant Kamat - Mumbai Meri Jaan

BEST ACTOR (CRITIC)
Manjot Singh - Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

BEST ACTRESS (CRITIC)
Shahana Goswami - Rock On

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - 1
Bhanu Athaiya

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - 2
Om Puri

TECHNICAL AWARD

SONY FILMFARE BEST SCENE OF THE YEAR
Aditya Chopra - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Longines Fernandes - Pappu Can't Dance Saala (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

BEST EDITING
Amit Pawar Mumbai Meri Jaan

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Vandan Kataria & Monica Angelica Bhowmick - Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

BEST ACTION
Peter Hein - Ghajini

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS AWARD
John Deitz - Love Story 2050

BEST BACKGROUND SCORE
A R Rahman - Jodhaa Akbar

BEST COSTUMES
Manushee Sharma - Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Jason West - Rock On!!

BEST SOUND DESIGN
Baylon Fonseca & Vinod Subramanyam - Rock On!!

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Bollywood Buzz Predictions - 54th Filmfare Awards 2009

It’s time again for the mother of all Bollywood awards shows – The Filmfare Awards - this year. And as always, the competition’s tough. But, like always, we know which nominee has its nose slightly ahead of the others (no guarantees). Here are our predictions for the major categories.

BEST FILM
Dostana
This film’s story is unique – but only in Bollywood. In the film, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham pretended to be a gay couple so they could live with Priyanka Chopra. The movie’s great script and the actors’ comic timing, not to mention Priyanka Chopra’s bikinis, helped propel this film to the top.

Ghajini
This is the third time this film has been made. First it was called Memento, then Ghajini in the South and now Aamir’s Ghajini. And the third one may have received the poorest reviews, but may have made the most money. Reason – Aamir’s great promotion strategies and the time of release (Christmas). The film broke all box-office records, collecting Rs.210 crores in two weeks.

Jodhaa Akbar
A historical masterpiece, the film was the first big hit of the year. Adding more strength to their Best Film claim are the majestic sets and brilliant performances by the lead stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
It may not have worked as well as DDLJ, but Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi did manage to create more than just a ripple at the box-office. The film marked the debut of Bangalore model Anushka Sharma.

Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na
A sweet romantic film, which attracted the attention of youngsters, Jaane Tu… is arguably the best teen flick of recent times. The music was great, the stars – Genelia and Imran – looked fresh and the script was well-written.

Rock On!!
India’s first rock band film rocked for several reasons - great music, great story and fabulous acting by director-turned-actor Farhan Akhtar and telly actress Prachi Desai.

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ PICK: Jodhaa Akbar

BEST DIRECTOR
A.R. Murugadoss – Ghajini
Murugadoss directed both the Tamil and the Hindi versions of Ghajini. And both films topped at the box-office. So naturally, this guy knows exactly what to do with his actors and script.

Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On!!
Since this is the first time Bollywood approached such a subject, Abhishek Kapoor had no reference material to work with. But he pulled it off brilliantly.

Aditya Chopra - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
The man who made one of the longest running films in Indian movie history – Dilwale Dhulaniya Le Jayenge – is undoubtedly one of Indian’s finest directors and thoroughly deserving of the nomination.

Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar
Visionary director Ashutosh Gowariker has made several great films – but none as breathtaking as this one. An epic film if there ever was one, it captured the imagination of audiences the world over.

Madhur Bhandarkar – Fashion
The director, with his socially-powerful films, offers great insight into different streams of society with each of his films. After Page 3 and Corporate, he chose the world of Fashion, which brought to light – or to the limelight – many issues within the modeling world.

Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday
This debutant director is definitely a dark horse. His film, A Wednesday, received rave reviews.

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ PICK: Ashutosh Gowarikar

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Aamir Khan – Ghajini
Mr. Perfectionist does only one film a year. But the time and effort he puts into each of them shows every time.

Abhishek Bachchan – Dostana
After the disaster that was Drona, AB Jr. finally delivered with Dostana. While he has proven that he can do drama in the recent past, this is the first time – after Bunty Aur Babli – that the actor showed his real worth.

Hrithik Roshan - Jodhaa Akbar
While all the others have been fighting for the #1 title this year, Hrithik Roshan has been quiet, but has let his acting do the talking. His performance as the emperor Akbar was very persuasive.

Akshay Kumar - Singh Is Kinng
Akki can do anything. He’s proved himself as a serious actor and as a comedian. Singh is Kinng was a huge hit and the actor – if not the best – is certainly raking in the moolah.

Shah Rukh Khan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
SRK – who doesn’t really need any more awards – excelled in this double role.

Naseeruddin Shah - A Wednesday
Arguably the most accomplished actor on this list, Naseerudin Shah did well in this startling film.

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ PICK: Hrithik Roshan

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan - Jodhaa Akbar
After her marriage, this was her first big release, and she depicted Jodhaa fabulously. How one can forget the fearless sword fighting?

Anushka Sharma - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
For a newcomer to get a nomination at the Filmfares is commendable on its own. This actress is certainly on her way to the top.

Asin Thottumkal – Ghajini
Yet another newcomer in Bollywood, the actress has received a lot of praise for her role in South films.

Kajol - U Me Aur Hum
A very good actress, she acted very well in her husband’s directorial debut. However, the film didn’t work at the box office.

Priyanka Chopra – Fashion
After three flops, Priyanka bounced back with Dostana and Fashion, both of which did very well. She has been nominated for Fashion.

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ PICK: Priyanka Chopra

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Who’ll take home the Black Lady

Tonight is the night of the 54th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 — Bollywood’s glitziest, most glamorous and prestigious awards show of the year.

Slumdog Millionaire isn’t in the reckoning, neither is Danny Boyle. Instead, there’s Dostana, Ghajini, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Jodhaa Akbar, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Rock On!!

And, contending for the director’s trophy are AR Murugadoss, Abhishek Kapoor, Aditya Chopra, Ashutosh Gowariker, Madhur Bhandarkar and Neeraj Pandey. Which film will get the coveted Black Lady and which director will take her home tonight? The countdown to find out is on, and the curtain will go up on the awards show and ceremony at Yash Raj Studio at 7 pm. You will get an exclusive telecast of the starry night on Sony Entertainment Television on March 8, at 8 pm.

This is the day you’ll find the stars dressed in their classiest, formal best. Black ties and tuxedos, ball gowns and jewellery, a fabulous and entertaining fashion show live on the red carpet. On stage, masters of ceremony and the new flavours of the season, Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan, led by veteran host Karan Johar, will take an exclusive and invited audience through the razzmatazz of the night. To give you a sneak peek behind the curtain, there’ll be the lovely Katrina Kaif dressed by Rocky S dancing to tracks from her films Yuvvraaj and Singh is Kinng. “It’s my first show for the Filmfare Awards and I am very excited,” said Katz. “Shiamak Davar has choreographed my numbers with such elegance. I think the Filmfare Awards is comparable to the biggest and best international film awards functions in every way,” she said.

Then there’s Shahid Kapoor, also excited to be performing here after four years, and promising to rock the stage with a medley of songs, including Mauja Hi Mauja and Nagada Nagada. And Abhishek Bachchan is also slated to make a spectacular entry with the title track of Delhi-6, before going into some more and wrapping up with the popular Desi Girl from Dostana. Bipasha Basu will set the stage on fire with Neil Nitin Mukesh, performing tracks from Aa Dekhen Zara. Farhan Akhtar and his band promise to live up to their reputation and rock on the night to a thrilling and pulsating finale.

In the midst of all this entertainment, the envelopes will be opened on stage to reveal the winners of the 54th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 one by one. Who gets the Best Actor from among Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan and Naseeruddin Shah? And will newcomers Asin and Anushka Sharma decide the Best Actress between themselves or will one of the old favourites — Priyanka Chopra, Kajol and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan —take home the Black Lady? Time will tell. And the awards are just hours away.

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Stars set for the Filmfare Awards!

The Filmfare Awards, which take place today at Yash Raj Studios, are the most prestigious awards in Bollywood. We tell you who will be performing and hosting the event.

A source tells us, "Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor will be hosting the awards. The duo will have the audience in splits with its comic script. They are rehearsing throughout the day. They will be replacing Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. Besides Imran and Ranbir, Farhan Akhtar and Karan Johar will also be hosting.

As always, there will be a lot of song and dance this year. Bipasha Basu will be performing many of her hit songs. As part of the medley, she will dance to songs from Bachna Ae Haseeno and then Aa Dekhen Zara with Neil Nitin Mukesh. Then there's also Katrina Kaif, who will be dancing to Race and Singh is Kinng tunes. Abhishek Bachchan will also dance and they've got a special Dostana set planned.

Shahid Kapoor will also dance - first to songs from Kismat Konnection, then to songs from Jab We Met. Plus, Farhan Akhtar will do Rock On with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. It'll be Farhan's first Filmfare performance.

However, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor, all of whom performed at other awards shows this year, won't be performing this time. Another person audiences will certainly miss is SRK, who is recovering from his shoulder injury.

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Nominations for 54th Filmfare Awards 2009

BEST FILM
Dostana
Ghajini
Jodhaa Akbar
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Rock On!!

BEST DIRECTOR
A.R. Murugadoss - Ghajini
Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On!!
Aditya Chopra - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar
Madhur Bhandarkar - Fashion
Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday!

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Aamir Khan - Ghajini
Abhishek Bachchan - Dostana
Hrithik Roshan - Jodhaa Akbar
Akshay Kumar - Sinng Is Kinng
Shah Rukh Khan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Naseeruddin Shah - A Wednesday!

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
ROLE Aishwarya Rai - Jodhaa Akbar
Anushka Sharma - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Asin Thottumkal - Ghajini
Kajol - U Me Aur Hum
Priyanka Chopra - Fashion

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (MALE)
Abhishek Bachchan - Sarkaar Raj
Arjun Rampal - Rock On!!
Pratik Babbar - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Sonu Sood - Jodhaa Akbar
Tushaar Kapoor - Golmaal Returns
Vinay Pathak - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (FEMALE)
Bipasha Basu - Bachna Ae Haseeno
Kangana Ranaut - Fashion
Kiron Kher - Dostana
Ratna Pathak Shah - Jaanu Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Sahana Goswami - Rock On!!

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE)
Farhan Akhtar - Rock On!! - Socha Hai
KK - Bachna Ae Haseeno - Khuda Jaane
KK - Jannat - Zara Si Dil Mein
Rashid Ali - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na - Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
Sonu Nigham - Jodhaa Akbar - Inn Lamho Ke Daaman Mein
Sukhwinder Singh - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – Haule Haule

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (FEMALE)
Alka Yagnik - Yuvvraaj - Tu Muskura
Neha Bhasin - Fashion - Kuch Khaas Hai
Shilpa Rao - Bachna Ae Haseeno - Khuda Jaane
Shreya Ghoshal - Singh is Kinng - Teri Ore
Shruti Pathak - Fashion - Marjaawa
Sunidhi Chuhan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Dance Pe Chance

BEST LYRICS
Abbas Tyrewala - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na - Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
Gulzar - Yuvvraaj - Tu Meri Dost Hai
Jaideep Sahni - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Haule Haule
Javed Akhtar - Jodhaa Akbar - Jashn e Bahara
Javed Akhtar - Rock On!! - Socha Hai
Prasoon Joshi - Ghajini - Guzarish

BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
A R Rahman - Ghajini
A R Rahman - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
A R Rahman - Jodhaa Kabar
Pritam - Race
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy - Rock On!!
Vishal-Shekhar - Dostana

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