Bollywood stars jet out of Durban
A host of Bollywood stars have been streaming out of Durban after wowing the crowd at the first SA India Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA) on Friday evening….
We had a team stationed on the red carpet to capture all the glitz, glam and excitement.
Ramona Kasavan, Makhosi Khoza, Zaba Simbine and I got to rub shoulders with all the celebs – TV and movie stars from India and South Africa.
I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it. The mood on the red carpet was electric as we jostled with TV crews from around the world.
Muthodi Nesheshe won the Best Film Actor SAIFTA for Little One
If at times we seemed a bit too wide-eyed, it’s because we were star-struck. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous John Abraham looks in person – chiseled cheekbones, dimples-from-heaven and a smile that did weird things to my brain. Priyanka Chopra and Madhuri Dixit were consummate professionals – real pros on the red carpet. Impeccably dressed in designer threads, hair and makeup to perfection! Siddharth Malhotra, Ranveer Singh, legendary actress Waheeda Rehman, SAIFTA hosts Dia Mirza and Karan Johar and Tamil actress, Isha Talwar set pulses racing too.
On and on came the red carpet tidal wave of happy, beautiful people. South Africa celebs didn’t disappoint either. Stars from Generations, 7de Laan and Isidingo stopped to chat with fans and share a joke or two with the cameras. They included Jack Devnarain, Robert Whitehead, Latoya Mangezi, Donnalee Roberts, Leeander Reddy and Mutodi Neshehe among others.
Screaming fans, busy photographers and red carpet minders (who ushered in the celebs) completed this Oscar-like experience.
Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra in action
Pity about the late start though. The event was meant to kick off at 7pm but only got underway at 8.30pm. No explanation was given for the long wait and I hope organizers were able to learn a lesson or two to prevent a similar holdup next year.
When the show did get underway, we were treated to performances from SA and India. The local rollout included dances and comedy acts from Aaron McIlroy and Jailoshini Naidoo. Local designers Haroun Hansrot, Alpa & Reena also showcased their ranges.
The collection by Haroun Hansrot, Alpa & Reena
The Indian rollout was mostly dance – set against a magnificent stage and awe-inspiring décor. My highlight was watching Bollywood Dancing Queen, Madhuri Dixit, take to the stage with her grace, glamour and infectious smile.
Madhuri Dixit had fans riveted with her nifty dance moves
She probably drew the loudest cheers from the audience!
The lovely Priyanka Chopra also showed off nifty moves.
Priyanka Chopra
Apart from the riveting entertainment, SAIFTA 2013 was essentially an awards evening in which a jury comprising TV and film fundis from India and South Africa, narrowed down entries to a handful of nominees. The best-of in TV and Film from both countries, were announced on the night.
Craig Strydom with his SAIFTA for Searching For Sugarman
Makhosi and Zaba, dressed by Durban designer Haroun Hansrot, got to hobnob with the stars in the VIP holding area (I begged them for a John Abraham autograph but sadly my pleas fell on deaf ears) as they waited to present an award.
SA Winners’ List
Best Film: Die Wonderwerker
Best TV Show : 7de Laan
Best Film Actor : Muthodi Nesheshe for Little One
Best Film Actress : Lindiwe Ndlovu for Little One)
Best TV Actor : Robert Whitehead for Isidingo
Best TV Actress : Baby Cele for Zabalaza
The Documentary that Brought the Most Recognition to South Africa : Searching For Sugar Man
Indian Winners’ List
Best Film : Barfi
Best Actor : Ranbir Kapoor for Barfi
Best Actress : Priyanka Chopra for barfi
Best Supporting Actor : Nawazuddin Siddiqui for Gangs of Wassepur
Best Supporting Actress : A tie between Rani Mukherjee for Talaash and Divya Dutta for Special 26
Best Debut Actor : Sidharth Malhotra for Student of the Year
Best Debut Actress : Huma Qureshi for Gangs of Wassepur
Youth Icon of the Year : John Abraham
Popular Song : Tum Hi Ho from Ashiqui 2
Best Director : Abishek Kapoor for Kai Po Che
SAIFTA will return to Durban next year.
Pics: Frances Park-Ross and Rajesh Jantilal
- Anisa Ussuph