Celebrating Bollywood South and Indian films

Stars at the AsiaVision Awards remembered the soldiers who lost their lives in the Pulwama terrorist attack

The night belonged to Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh, but the flamboyant actor claimed he felt uncomfortable being jubilant at the AsiaVision Awards when his country was mourning the death of the Pulwama martyrs.

Singh was in Dubai’s Global Village on Saturday night to collect his Best Actor trophy for his role in the controversial epic Padmaavat at the 13th edition of the Asiavision Movie Awards, held annually to celebrate the best in South Indian and Bollywood cinema.

“It’s a little bit weird being here. While this award is a celebration, the mood in my nation is slightly different... While I am standing here today, my thoughts and prayers are with the brave jawans [soldiers] who lost their lives in the line of service,” said Singh, decidedly sober, in his acceptance speech.

In a rare display of patriotism by Bollywood actors at an award ceremony, Singh requested hundreds of his fans who had gathered to witness him take home the award to pay their respects to the martyred soldiers. “I request everyone present here to rise for a moment and observe a minute of silence for our brave jawans. Let’s please observe a silence for our heroes... Jai Hind,” said Singh.

As soon as the minute ended, chants of Vande Mataram and Jai Hind erupted from the crowd. “But I still want to thank all of you all for being the wind beneath my wings. You help me soar,” he added.

Singh, who’s flying high after the release of Gully Boy, also seems to have brought the rains with him to the UAE. However, the unexpected showers didn’t deter his fans from witnessing their matinee idol in action as hundreds chanted his name in adoration.

Malayalam actress Manju Warrier, who won the Best Actress for her role in Aami, also dedicated her win to the security force personnel killed by a suicide bomber in India-administered Kashmir on Thursday. “I am remembering them as I take home this award. I want to dedicate this award to the lives lost, their soul and the families who lost their loved ones,” said Warrier. This is her fourth win as Best Actor at AsiaVision Awards in the last 13 years.

Vijay Sethupathi, who won big for his role in 96, bowed and knelt in front of his UAE fans. “Life throws many surprises... I loved the reaction of 96 and proved that love is divine. It was the personal connect that you felt toward the love story in 96 that made this film work. My huge thank you,” he said.

He also expressed his love for Dubai and his dream to visit the Jumeirah Beach. “I have been planning that trip for over two years... Maybe this time,” said Sethupathi.

Malayalam actress Manju Warrier won the Best Actress for her role in ‘Aami’. “I am so happy that I got to translate Madhavikutty’s life on the big screen. I am sure there were mistakes and errors made, but I gave it my earnest shot and I can confidently say that I worked hard for the role. Thank you director Kamal sir for bestowing this huge responsibility to play the iconic character,” said Warrier in Malayalam. Saniya Iyappan won Best Debut for her roles in ‘Queen’ and ‘Pretham 2’. Kiara Advani won the Emerging Star of the Year award.

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Photos by Arshad Ali/Gulf News Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh won Best Actor for his role in ‘Padmaavat’.

ino Thomas took me the Best Actor ayalam award. Tamil actor Dhanush, who won the Best Actor (critic) for his turn in ‘The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir’ and ‘Vada Chennai’, said it’s ironical that he won an award for an English feature when he wasn’t so proficient in the language.

Malayalam actressAsha Sarath won Outstanding Performer of the Year. “When I receive this trophy tonight, there’s also a feeling of sadness in my heart because we lost our brothers last week... Our film [‘Bhayanakam’] too revolves around Indian soldiers who fell casualty to war,” said Sarath in Malayalam.

Gopi Sundar won the award for Best Background Score for the movie ‘Kayamkulam Kochunni’.

UAE resident Sadhna Venkatesh won Best Performer for her role in ‘Peranbu’, which also starred Mammootty.

Hari Narayanan won the award for Best Lyrics.

ywood actor ushmann Khurrana ned up the mood by empting to speak in ayalam and treating fans to a live rendition his song ‘Paani Da’. urrana was honoured his roles in ‘Andhadhun’ d ‘Badhaai Ho’.

Aishwarya Lekshmi won the Youth Icon Award for her roles in ‘Mayaanadhi’, ‘Varathan’.

South Indian star Arvind Swamy won Best Actor (critic).