Fans fill ICC for glimpse of Bolly stars

THE highly anticipated SAIFTA awards gala unfolded at the Durban ICC arena on Friday night, 6 September, to an appreciative audience of top South African and Indian filmmakers, actors and thousands of adoring fans who flocked to Durban to get a glimpse of their favourite stars performing live.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Durban Tourism, shared the platform at the stylish awards, which are the brainchild of SAIFTA creative director, Kedhar Gawde.

In his speech, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, Sadha Naidoo, said “A vision has just been born.”

Fans screamed wildly at the Durban ICC red carpet arrival, which saw some of Bollywood’s hottest stars and local actors like Jack Devnarain, Robert Whitehead, Latoya Mangezi, Donnalee Roberts and Mutodi Neshehe, make their grand entrance. South African personalities, Simba and Tatum Keshwar were red-carpet hosts.

The most popular arrivals were those of Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham, Siddharth Malhotra, dancing queen Madhuri Dixit, co-host Dia Mirza and the gorgeous former Miss World and highest-paid Bollywood actress, Priyanka Chopra. Tamil actress, Isha Talwar wore a stunning Alpa and Reena creation which featured a striking combination of Indian and African influences.

The amazing entertainment line-up wowed the audience with more blitz, bling and glamour than the ICC has ever seen. It included a hilarious aerial entrance by popular Ranveer Singh from the expansive Arena ceiling, colourful pyro-technics and special effects. The event kicked off with performances from Tamil dance groups and a stunning fashion show by local designer Haroun Hansrot and Alpa and Reena of Mumbai.

The electric dance sequences gave local performers the opportunity and honour of performing on the same stage as stars like Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra, Siddharth Malhotra and Ranveer Singh.

A highlight was the special lifetime achievement ‘Madiba’ award bestowed on Nelson Mandela and accepted by his grand-daughter, Ndileka Mandela, from veteran actress, Waheeda Rehman.

Ndileka said, “I thank you for honouring my grandfather who is still at home and is still ill. We cherish every moment with him and thank everyone for their prayers.”

In a true mix of cultures, it was Afrikaans film “Die Wonderwerker” and TV Series “7de Laan,” that emerged as winners of the ‘Best Film’ and “Best TV Show” for the Awards competition period which ran from June 2012 to May 2013.

Craig Strydom, who accepted a special award for ‘Searching For Sugar Man” which won “The Documentary that Brought the Most Recognition to South Africa,” commented; “I found the evening highly entertaining and am most impressed with this unique initiative. In fact I would love to work with some of these stars, especially the extraordinarily-talented ‘Ranveer Singh, who has such stage presence.”

The charismatic Muthodi Nesheshe won the ‘Best Film Actor’ award for his part in ‘Little One’ and ‘Best TV Actor’ title went to Robert Whitehead for his role as Barker Heyns in Isidingo.

‘Best Actress Award’ went to Lindiwe Ndlovu (for her role in Little One) and ‘Best TV Actress’ was Baby Cele for her role in Zabalaza. Best debut honours went to Sidharth Malhotra for Student of the Year and Huma Qureshi for Gangs of Wassepur.

John Abraham won the coveted “Youth Icon of the Year” award.

Bollywood super fan, Sharishka Ramphul said she had been waiting since 2pm to get a glimpse of her favourite actress Madhuri Dixit arrive on the red carpet. “I’ve come mainly to see her, everyone else too, but she is the ultimate Bollywood star. I watch all the Indian bouquets on TV and know all the Bollywood and Zee TV soap stars so this is a dream come true,” she added.

With tears in her eyes after getting a surprise kiss from heartthrob Ranveer Singh, Shevon Jurakinsingh said, “Oh My God, I never thought I would like a man with a moustache but he is amazing. I was dying to meet him. Seriously I can’t believe that happened,” she added