MUMBAI: The 15th Tata Motors IIFA awards surpassed expectations with a spectacular show that saw Bhaag Milkha Bhaag nab the top awards of the night including Best Picture, Best Direction, Performance in Leading Role (Male), Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) and Best Story. Aashiqui 2 bagged awards for Music Direction, Lyrics, Playback Singer (Male) and Playback Singer (Female). Deepika Padukone won the award for her much acclaimed role in Chennai Express while Farhan Akhtar won the Best Actor (Male) for his role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Celebrating the magic of Indian cinema, the Tata Motors IIFA Awards was held at the Raymond James Stadium where actors, Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akthar played host for the second time. The duo kept the audience entertained throughout the evening with their humour, wit and laudable on-stage camaraderie with sets varying from a celebrity antakshri to a live-rap with the audience (Raju and Pappu) to them being dressed as spirited pirates.
Some of the highlights of the evening were the launch of IIFA Coffee Table Book by the Wizcraft International Entertainment founder- directors Andre Timmins, Sabbas Joseph and Viraf Sarkari along with superstar Hrithik Roshan.
International actors John Travolta and Kevin Spacey shook a leg on popular Bollywood hits. Kevin Spacey was brought on stage by Shahid, Farhan and Deepika to join them for a little jig to Lungi Dance while John Travolta joined Priyanka Chopra on stage at the end of her act and later joined Hrithik to match his moves with him.
On having won the Performance in a Leading Role (Female), Deepika Padukone said, "2013 was an amazing year for me. I left home with a suitcase and a dream and I thank my parents for allowing me to follow my dream.”
“This is a very special moment as it is the first time I’m receiving an award for the film in the presence of Milkha Singh. He shared a lot of amazing stories with me and was the wind beneath my wings. I am very honoured today,” said Farhan on winning the award.
John Travolta was felicitated with an award for Outstanding Contribution to International Cinema. He accepted the award saying, “I am honoured and humbled to be put in this category. I believe that as human beings we are alike and this is a medium to celebrate our similarities. A heartfelt thank you to IIFA and the Indian film community.”
Debutants, Vaani Kapoor (Shudh Desi Romance) and Dhanush (Raanjhanaa) took to the IIFA stage to collect their accolades for the most promising new faces in Indian cinema. The Tata Motors IIFA awards, organised by Wizcraft International Entertainment, had a foot tapping performances line-up. Madhuri Dixit Nene stole the show with her performance on Ek Do Teen, Piya Ghar Aaya, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, Dola Re Dola.
Another highlight of the night was the electrifying performance by Hrithik Roshan on his hit numbers Mein Aisa Kyun Hoon, Bhoomro Bhoomro, Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala, Senorita and Dhoom among others.
Priyanka Chopra performed on Jaane Kyon Dil Chahata Hai, Mujse Shaadi Karogi, Tune Maari Entriyaan and many more. Deepika Padukone performed on Dhol Bhaje among others. Other performers were Ranveer Singh and Siddharth Malhotra.
The awards night will be broadcast globally on Star Plus. Some of the key partners of the IIFA US celebrations are: Videocon d2h, Tata Motors, Freedom Health Insurance, Lava Mobile, Visit Tampa Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau, Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida, Hillsborough County Florida, Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Commission, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism, Arise, Vishal Fashions, UST Global, Myntra.com, FedEx, LT Foods – Daawat and Royal Bishwa Bandhan for Cerebral Palsy. Other support partners include Mosaic, Patina Solutions and Tampa Steel Erecting Company, Tampa International Airport, Tampa Bay Business Journal and Tampa Bay Times.
