On Saturday night, Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh took home the best actress and actor trophies at the 17th International Indian Film Academy Awards in Madrid for their performance in Piku and Bajirao Mastani, respectively.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan was named best film, but the highest number of awards went to the period drama Bajirao Mastani, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali winning best director and the film getting nods in a host of technical categories, including: cinematography (Sudeep Chatterjee), choreography (Remo D'Souza for Pinga), action (Shyam Kaushal), sound design (Bishwadeep Chatterjee and Nihar Ranjal Samal) and costume (Anju Modi and Maxima Basu).
The main awards night saw a melange of performances and humorous acts, while entertaining anchors Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar made a quirky entry on donkeys.
In the best supporting actor category, Anil Kapoor won for Dil Dhadakne Do and Priyanka Chopra clinched the honour for Bajirao Mastani.
Chopra was also honoured with a special Woman of the Year award. The multitalented actress, who will be seen in Hollywood film Baywatch, took to the stage and performed on songs that she has sang herself.
Among the debutants, actors Vicky Kaushal (Masaan) and Bhumi Pednekar (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) took home the laurels.
The Jodi of the Year Award (best couple) went to Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty for Hero.
Darshan Kumar was recognised for his negative role in NH10, while Deepak Dobriyal was honoured for his comic turn in Tanu Weds Manu Returns.
Piku also earned best story and best dialogue awards for Juhi Chaturvedi. The gong for screenplay went to the Bajrangi Bhaijaan team, while Talvar won for best editing and Badlapur for sound mixing. In the song category, Moh Moh ke Dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha was the winner, taking gongs for best male and female singer and lyric writer.
The ceremony also saw Sonakshi Sinha, Padukone and Tiger Shroff take to the stage for striking performances. The gala – which celebrates Indian cinema at an international destination – began on Thursday. Saturday’s awards-night ceremony will be broadcast in the UAE on Colors TV next month.
