It’s mighty difficult and distasteful to celebrate right after remembering a legend whose sudden death was still being processed and a closure was being sought by family and fans worldwide.
Such an unusual predicament arose at the International Indian Film Academy (Iifa) Awards in Bangkok on Sunday night at the Siam Niramit Theatre when Indian actress Sridevi won the Best Actor (Female) posthumously for her role in Mom as a fierce mother who avenges her step daughter’s gang rape.
The mood was decidedly sombre as 2,000 fans stood up as a mark of respect as her emotionally-wrought husband Boney Kapoor broke down on the stage, dabbing tears as he collected the golden statuette shaped like the sun’s rays. When he said the words, “I miss you every day, every night” there wasn’t a single dry eye in the theatre.
Actors, who looked impeccable in their red-carpet finest and waterproof make up, didn’t care about the tears that rolled down their cheeks either.
A bittersweet atmosphere pervaded the final night of the 19th edition of the IIFAs.
The Best Actor Award (Male) award was won by Irrfan Khan for his satire Hindi Medium, that playfully took a swipe at the tedious admission process to posh schools in Delhi. He played a parent who was facing the nightmare of getting his kid admitted to an elite school.
Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who was called to open the envelope and read the winner’s name, couldn’t help but remember Khan, who was her co-star in the critically acclaimed Haider.
“He’s one of the finest actors that I have ever met. He’s a true genius and I am positive that he will come back in full form,” said Kapoor.
But the mood shifted swiftly as Ranbir Kapoor and Rekha took over the stage.
tabloid! was there to witness the entire spectacle. The ceremony took more than four hours to play out, but we have broken down the evening for you. Here’s our personal highlights from the dazzling star-studded night:
Rekha’s still got it!
Director and producer Karan Johar was absolutely right when he declared that they don’t make legends like them anymore. Rekha showed the young brigade of Bollywood how it’s done by dancing gracefully to the biggest hits from Hindi cinema. When she danced to her iconic song, In Aankhon Ki Masti from her 1981 film Umrao Jaan, she was grace and dignity personified.
Ranbir Kapoor’s a rockstar
When it comes to dramatic entries, the award should ideally go to Ranbir Kapoor. Clad in a black leather jacket and with a guitar strapped to him, he emerged from the crowds in a giant slide-like contraption. His robust moves to the songs from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Rockstar were a sight to behold. If Iifa need to be lifted from its sombre mood, Kapoor was our man.
Anil Kapoor’s secret friendship
Did you know that Anupam Kher and Anil Kapoor are thick friends? Kapoor, who was the chosen one to introduce Kher before he was bestowed with the Outstanding Contribution To Indian Cinema honour, called Kher the best actor in India.
“Even Anupam doesn’t know this, but I auditioned for a role in Silver Linings Playbook and I didn’t get it. The role went to Anupam and I knew that there was no better person to play that role than him.”
Kapoor called Kher his biggest confidante and his sounding board when he had issues with his role, films or his brothers.
Kriti Sanon’s billowing gown
The Bareilly Ki Barfi actress wore a billowing glittering grey gown. Just like Michael Cinco’s powder blue gown worn by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Cannes, Sanon decided to go gigantically dramatic. While she looked radiant, she found herself being roasted by Karan Johar who joked that her gown could house Lokhandwala in Mumbai.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s star-struck
The actor, who won the Best Supporting (Male) award, seemed to be more excited to receive the award from his idol Rekha than anything else. Touching her feet, he said he would remember this moment for the rest of his life. And as he remember Sridevi, his co-star from Mom for which he won the award, Rekha consoled him by saying that her memories and her films are her biggest legacy. Rekha also promised Siddiqui and the audiences that she would strive to keep Sridevi alive through her.
Cutest moment
That was saved for the last as Bollywood’s new order of stars including Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor rushed to the stage to hug Rekha and break into impromptu gigs. The sight of them being absolutely awestruck by Rekha was the least scripted moment of the night.
The full list of winners
• Best Picture — Tumhari Sulu
• Best Story — Amit V Masurkar (Newton)
• Best Direction — Saket Chaudhary (Hindi Medium)
• Best Debut Director — Konkona Sen Sharma (A Death in the Gunj)
• Best Actor in a leading role (Female) — Sridevi (Mom)
• Best Actor in a leading role (Male) — Irrfan Khan (Hindi Medium)
• Best Music Direction — Amaal Mallik, Tanishk Bagchi and Akhil Sachdeva (Badrinath Ki Dulhania)
• Best Playback Singer Female — Meghna Mishra (Main Kaun Hoon, Secret Superstar)
• Best Playback singer (Male) — Arijit Singh (Hawayein, Jab Harry Met Sejal)
• Supporting Actor (Female) — Meher Vij (Secret Superstar)
• Supporting Actor (Male) — Nawazzuddin Siddiqui (Mom)
• Best Lyrics — Nusrat Fateh Ali, A1 Melody Fana and Manoj Muntashir Mere Rashke Qamar — Baadshaho
• Style Icon Of The Year Myntra: Kriti Sanon
