Bollywood goes the Hollywood way. Well, that’s been the real surprise at the 52nd Annual Filmfare Awards. The awards were handed out at a function held in Mumbai. This time around an Oscar-style nominations and pre-recorded performances were shown to TV audiences. The question is: did the contemporary approach work its magic? The answer is yes! The 52nd Filmfare Awards was a night to remember – dazzling stars, expensive gowns, and a tremendous line of performances – even actor, Shahrukh Khan set the mood with his witty one-liners. FINALLY a legitimate award show without an attached bias.
Kajol (Fanaa) and Hrithik Roshan (Dhoom 2) took top honors for best Bollywood actor and actress while Kareena Kapoor (Omkara) and Aamir Khan (Rang De Basanti) won the ‘critics’ award in the same categories.
Lifetime winners Javed Akhtar and Jaya Bachchan received standing ovations
and stirred the crowd with the emotional resonance of their speeches. Jaya’s son Abhishek won the best supporting actor award (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna) making the evening more memorable for the Bachchan family. Meanwhile, bright and gifted actress, Konkona Sen Sharma took one home for best supporting actress (Omkara).
Despite the absence of co-host, Saif Ali Khan, his alter ego, Langda Tayagi scored in the best actor in a negative role category (Omkara). While missing colleague, Arshad Warsi, grabbed an award for best actor in a comic role in Lage Raho Munnabhai.
Bollywood’s next bombshell, Kangana Ranaut rocked the night with Sony’s Face of the Year award as well as Best Debut.
AR Rahman, the only live performer Filmfare had this year, took away the best composers trophy (Rang De Basanti) while Shaan and Kailash Kher shared the best singer’s plaudits. Sunidhi Chauhan was given the award for best female vocalist (Omkara).
Some audiences bewildered to the thought of Krrish winning best action film, however, it was no match for the biggie of the night Rang De Basanti, winning best picture and best director awards.
With non-stop hungama, the evening revealed its true colors with pre-recorded tributes to the popular jams of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s in Bollywood history.
