'Jodhaa Akbar' dominates Bollywood awards

Macau: A historical epic about the romance between a Mughal king and a Hindu princess dominated the 10th International Indian Film Academy awards in the southern Chinese enclave of Macau on Saturday, winning best picture and best actor for heartthrob Hrithik Roshan.

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"Jodhaa Akbar" creator Ashutosh Gowariker was also named best director.

The film also took home best music direction for Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, best song lyrics and best male playback singer - an award for performers who record soundtracks for on-screen actors.

"When I started this movie I was advised by all my friends not to make this film," Gowariker explained at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), being held this year in the southern Chinese territory of Macau.

But he said the film's massive popularity had "reinstated my faith that we do need a Hindu-Muslim alliance" in India.

"Jodhaa Akbar" saw off "Ghajini," "Rock On," "A Wednesday," "Dostana," and "Race" to take the highly coveted Best Picture.

Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra was named best actress for playing a model who stages a comeback in "Fashion."

Best supporting actor went to Arjun Rampal for "Rock On!!" and Kangana Ranawat won best supporting actress for "Fashion."

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was named Star of the Decade (female) and Outstanding Achievement by an Indian in International Cinema.

An emotional Rai thanked "everyone who had contributed" to her career.

"It is never a singular effort," she said, before turning her attention to her father, who recently has been battling cancer.

"My father is still here," she said, thanking him for his "sacrifice and grace."

Meanwhile Rai's husband Abhishek won the award for Best Performance in a Comedy Role (Male).

He screamed for joy once on stage and - in reference to questions being raised in the tabloid press about his sexuality - yelled: "Well, I am gay tonight!"

Other winners were Asin and Farhan Akhtar for Debutant Star Female and Male respectively.

Extravaganza

The ceremony at the vast Venetian Resort-Hotel was attended by 500 Bollywood luminaries and an 8,000-strong audience that had flown in from all over the world.

Organisers estimated that the awards in the southern Chinese territory would be watched by 500 million TV viewers worldwide.

The extravaganza, now in its 10th year, is staged outside India every year in an effort to increase the international profile of Bollywood films. It features premieres, media sessions, trade forums, and a fashion show.

Previous locations have included Bangkok, Johannesburg and Amsterdam.