'Bajirao Mastani' wins top honour at TOIFA 2016

The epic historical love story "Bajirao Mastani" has bagged as many as five awards at the the second edition of the Times Of India Film Awards (TOIFA) cornering the Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actor in a supporting role (female) and Best Playback singer (female) trophies.

At a grand event on Friday, Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali carried home the Best Director award while Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra bagged the Best Actor and the Best Actor (female) trophies respectively.

Ranveer credited his win to Bhansali.

"My master one of the greatest directors of Hindi cinema... the one who has given so much and I just don't mean hit films but also love, affection and nurturing sir I owe this entirely to you. I love you sir. I hope in the years to come this special collaboration works together," Ranveer said at the stage, while accepting the award.

Actress Kangana Ranaut had won the Best Actress award for her role in "Tanu Weds Manu Returns", where she was seen playing a double role.

Her award was accepted by producer Krishika Lulla of Eros International, who was the co-producer of the film.

The story of a lost Pakistani deaf and mute girl, who was helped by an Indian man titled "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" was feted with the Best Film award.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who bagged the Best Actor Critics- male for the film "Piku" was also honoured with the Living Legend award.

Bhumi Pednekar bagged the Best Debut actor (female) for the film "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", while actor Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj took home the Best Debut actor (male) for the film "Hero".

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who essayed the role of Liak Tungrekar, a bank robber and a murderer in "Badlapur", bagged the Best Actor in a negative role award.

Ranveer and his co-star actress Deepika Padukone, who was not present at the gala were also given the title as the Best Jodi.

Referring to Deepika as his 'better half' of the jodi Ranveer, who was looking dapper in blue tuxedo said on stage: "This is for the 'Best Jodi'. The better half of the jodi is not here. But I will convey the message to her."

The Dubai International Stadium, which is popular for its flood lights covering the circumference of the stadium described as "ring of fire", saw thousands of Bollywood fanatics coming to the event to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars.

A string of A-listers like Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandes, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Salman, Shah Rukh and Kareena set the stage on ire with their power pact and electrifying performances, which were choreographed by star choreographer Shiamak Davar.

Varun shook a leg on latest hit tracks like "Main tenu samjhawan", "High heels" and "Tan tan tan", hinting his fans about his next project "Judwaa 2", where he will be stepping into the "Dabangg" star Salman Khan's shoes, who was seen in the 1992 movie "Judwaa".

Kareena was seen paying a tribute to Bollywood's yesteryear divas like Helen, Karishma Kapoor and Sridevi.

Ranveer, who is a power house of energy shook his leg songs on Amitabh like "Jumma chumma" and "Pyaar tumhe".

Bollywood's "Dabangg" and "Dilwale" star enthralled the audience, who were seen whistling, screaming and hooting, while they performed on numbers from their respective films on stage.

(The writer's visit is at the invitation of TOIFA organisers. Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in)