Hum Dil De... sweeps IIFA awards

The inaugural event of International Indian Films Awards (IIFA) got underway at the prestigious Greenwich Millennium Dome on June 24 in the presence of Hollywwod heavyweights. Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Thora Birch, Miranda Richardson and Susanna York graced the occasion, rubbing shoulders with their Indian counterparts. Though the gathering was a virtual who’s who of the Indian film industry, a large number of award winners including Aishwarya Rai, Anil Kapoor, AR Rahman, Naseeruddin Shah, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik were conspicuous by their absence. An annual event, IIFA will be held at different foreign cities in an effort to popularise Hindi cinema.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali continued his dominance in award ceremonies by sweeping maximum categories for his passionate romance Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The film won awards for best picture, best director and best actress along with other categories. Subhash Ghai’s Taal was the next popular film bagging five statuettes, precisely half the number of trophies picked up by Bhansali’s film. Sanjay Dutt was adjudged the best actor in a leading role for his performance in the Mahesh Manjrekar-directed Vaastav.

Jackie Chan, who cut short a shoot in Turkey to attend the function, had good news for his Indian fans. He made an offer to work in Hindi films and said that he’s a good singer too, sending the auditorium in laughter. He also said that he wouldn’t be too expensive for Indian filmmakers.