This year's IIFA was special as the event celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema. The event, hosted by Bollywood's reigning superstar Shahrukh Khan and the generation next star Shahid Kapur, was witnessed by several thousand fans who thronged to the venue to get a glimpse of their favourite stars.
The IIFA awards, which is touted as the Indian version of the Oscars, is one of the most-watched annual entertainment events that brings the whole Indian film fraternity on one stage.
It was refreshing to witness that, the Awards focused a lot on giving a boost to the new talent that has emerged in the last few years in the industry. The performance line up included both newcomers as well as veterans. Young actors like Sushant Singh Rajput, Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra also performed alongside the veterans.
The event witnessed pulsating dance performances from some of the best talents in the industry including Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit, Prabhu Deva, Sridevi and Parineeti Chopra who set the stage on fire with their sizzling performances.
I completely relished the high octane performances, spectacular stage set ups, lighting displays and the overall spirit of celebration at the event. Here are pictures of some the highlights of the event.
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| IIFA Awards, 2013 Stage Set-up |
Host for the evening young Bollywood heart throb Shahid Kapoor made a rather dramatic entry, suspended by a crane and accompanied by fireworks.
Abhishek Bachchan begun the show on a great note with his power packed performance.
Abhishek Bachchan's Performance
Abhishek Bachchan's Performance
Parineeti Chopra amazed the audiences with a spirited performance with Ayushmann Khurrana. The two looked cute together as they danced to the tune of some really romantic tracks.
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| Ayushmann Khurana & Parineeti Chopra's Performance |
Ayushmann Khurana & Parineeti Chopra's Performance
Ayushmann Khurana & Parineeti Chopra's Performance
Sushant Singh Rajput put up a quite a spirited performance for a newcomer.
Sushant Singh Rajput's Performance
Sushant Singh Rajput's Performance
Sushant Singh Rajput's Performance
Deepika Padukone showcased some of her sizzling signature moves in a sheer black and gold number, to her recent hit film songs, including Angrezi beats, Tum hi ho bandhu and her most recent Balam pichkari. It was quite a power packed performance from the leggy lass.
Madhuri Dixit, who made a debut this year in IIFA, received a standing ovation from the film fraternity for her brilliant stage performance. She performed on her famous dance numbers like 'Dola Re Dola', 'Mera Piya Ghar Aaya' and '‘Ek Do Teen' and on her recent item number 'Ghaghra' from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Check out the spectacular lighting displays and effects for her performance. That was the single most spell binding moment of the event for me.
Madhuri Dixit's Performance
Sridevi arrived on stage in her English Vinglish movie's avatar and soon transitioned into her glittering lehenga choli and gave a scintillating performance. The highlight of the evening was Sridevi’s performance with none other than ace dancer/choreographer Prabhu Deva, the duo's mash
up of old Sridevi songs and modern AR Rehman tracks was astounding. Ever
graceful Sridevi and her myriad expressions was something else,decked in
sparkling Manish Malhotra stage outfits.
I was particularly thrilled watching her perform, because I have idolised her as a child and it was a real treat to watch her perform live on some of my old favourite tracks from Chaalbaaz (Naam Mera Premkali, Kisi ke hath na ayegi ) and Mr India (Hawa Hawai)
Sridevi's performance
IIFA Awards 2013 : Sridevi & Prabhudeva's performance
- Best Film – Barfi
- Best Director – Anurag Basu (Barfi)
- Best Actor – Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi)
- Best Actress – Vidya Balan (Kahani)