There're no camps in Bollywood: Katrina Kaif

By Dibyojyoti Baksi, Mumbai, Aug 15 : Katrina Kaif's decision to do two Yash Raj Films (YRF) with the warring Khans - Salman and Shah Rukh - has raised eyebrows, but the actress is unperturbed and argues there are no camps in Bollywood.

Katrina is set to start shooting with Salman Khan for "Ek Tha Tiger" next week and her film with Shah Rukh, which is veteran direcor Yash Chopra's untitled venture, is expected to go on floors in a few months' time.

"There is a problem, there is a misconception that the media has (that there is a camp system). We all have different equations. Friendly, not so friendly, but everyone respects everyone's individuality. There are really no camps or something like that," Katrina told IANS in an interview.

"New York" was Katrina's first film with YRF and after that she signed their "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" and now the two films with the two Khans.

Glimpses of Katrina's rock star look in "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", where she will be seen puffing a bidi and strumming a guitar in tattered jeans and a tee, have created ripples of excitement among her followers. And the actress explains her new avatar as her endevaour to offer something fresh in each film to avoid being boringly predictable.

"Small things make the difference. You are doing two films a year. Even if you are showing something, which is a little different from the previous film, then the audience doesn't get bored," said the 27-year-old, who has been part of the industry for eight years now.

"If I can do 15 percent better or add on something with every film, then people would not bear the impression that I am not putting in my hard work."

The directorial debut of Ali Abbas Zafar, "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is a romantic comedy where Imran Khan and Pakistani singer-turned-actor Ali Zafar play leads opposite her.

The recent favourite of the YRF banner, Katrina believes that "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is the right film to collaborate with Imran.

"It's a romantic comedy, very exaggerated tongue-n-cheek kind. It's a little bit larger than life, louder like my film 'Aajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'. For Imran and me, it was a very new space. We didn't know each other much and there had to be a fine-tuning, which eventually helped us to get into the characters that we are playing.

"It was a nice first film for both of us to do together," said the actress, who has so far made a successful on-screen 'jodi' with Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.

She revealed that the film has a close resemblance to filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1975 classic comedy "Chupke Chupke" that boasts of amazing performances by Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Asrani and Om Prakash.

"It's on the line of Dharamji's 'Chupke Chupke'," said Katrina.

To bring reality to her character, Katrina learned to play guitar and her knowledge about the instrument helped her portray the character of a rock singer more convincingly in the film.

"I am learning the guitar. For an actor it's really easy to be a rock star. Wear some boots, wear some jeans, wear kajal, dishevel your hair, hold a guitar and strum the strings. I can actually hold the guitar right as I know how to play it," said Katrina.

"Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is set to hit the theatres Sep 9.

There're no camps in Bollywood: Katrina Kaif

By Dibyojyoti Baksi, Mumbai, Aug 15 : Katrina Kaif's decision to do two Yash Raj Films (YRF) with the warring Khans - Salman and Shah Rukh - has raised eyebrows, but the actress is unperturbed and argues there are no camps in Bollywood.

Katrina is set to start shooting with Salman Khan for "Ek Tha Tiger" next week and her film with Shah Rukh, which is veteran direcor Yash Chopra's untitled venture, is expected to go on floors in a few months' time.

"There is a problem, there is a misconception that the media has (that there is a camp system). We all have different equations. Friendly, not so friendly, but everyone respects everyone's individuality. There are really no camps or something like that," Katrina told IANS in an interview.

"New York" was Katrina's first film with YRF and after that she signed their "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" and now the two films with the two Khans.

Glimpses of Katrina's rock star look in "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", where she will be seen puffing a bidi and strumming a guitar in tattered jeans and a tee, have created ripples of excitement among her followers. And the actress explains her new avatar as her endevaour to offer something fresh in each film to avoid being boringly predictable.

"Small things make the difference. You are doing two films a year. Even if you are showing something, which is a little different from the previous film, then the audience doesn't get bored," said the 27-year-old, who has been part of the industry for eight years now.

"If I can do 15 percent better or add on something with every film, then people would not bear the impression that I am not putting in my hard work."

The directorial debut of Ali Abbas Zafar, "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is a romantic comedy where Imran Khan and Pakistani singer-turned-actor Ali Zafar play leads opposite her.

The recent favourite of the YRF banner, Katrina believes that "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is the right film to collaborate with Imran.

"It's a romantic comedy, very exaggerated tongue-n-cheek kind. It's a little bit larger than life, louder like my film 'Aajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'. For Imran and me, it was a very new space. We didn't know each other much and there had to be a fine-tuning, which eventually helped us to get into the characters that we are playing.

"It was a nice first film for both of us to do together," said the actress, who has so far made a successful on-screen 'jodi' with Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.

She revealed that the film has a close resemblance to filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1975 classic comedy "Chupke Chupke" that boasts of amazing performances by Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Asrani and Om Prakash.

"It's on the line of Dharamji's 'Chupke Chupke'," said Katrina.

To bring reality to her character, Katrina learned to play guitar and her knowledge about the instrument helped her portray the character of a rock singer more convincingly in the film.

"I am learning the guitar. For an actor it's really easy to be a rock star. Wear some boots, wear some jeans, wear kajal, dishevel your hair, hold a guitar and strum the strings. I can actually hold the guitar right as I know how to play it," said Katrina.

"Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is set to hit the theatres Sep 9.

Salman Khan Has Charged A Whopping 28 Crores For ‘Ek Tha Tiger’

Salman’s gold rush at the box-office has resulted in a steep hike in his fee. Now, for his upcoming film with Yash Raj Films titled EK THA TIGER, which will be directed by Kabir Khan of NEWYORK fame, the superstar has been paid Rs 28 crore to be part of the film.

Our highly placed sources have confirmed this figure. According to our sources, “Salman Khan has been paid a whopping Rs. 28 crore to be part of the film. Though the production house has a strict policy of keeping such details under wraps but this figure is the actual fee Salman will command after the super success of his last few films.”

Salman’s gold rush at the box office that started with WANTED and continued through DABANGG and READY seems all set to make a repeat in his forthcoming film BODYGUARD which is already catching big time public attention. If so, it will be Salman’s fourth mega hit in a row.

Salman Khan Has Charged A Whopping 28 Crores For ‘Ek Tha Tiger’

Salman’s gold rush at the box-office has resulted in a steep hike in his fee. Now, for his upcoming film with Yash Raj Films titled EK THA TIGER, which will be directed by Kabir Khan of NEWYORK fame, the superstar has been paid Rs 28 crore to be part of the film.

Our highly placed sources have confirmed this figure. According to our sources, “Salman Khan has been paid a whopping Rs. 28 crore to be part of the film. Though the production house has a strict policy of keeping such details under wraps but this figure is the actual fee Salman will command after the super success of his last few films.”

Salman’s gold rush at the box office that started with WANTED and continued through DABANGG and READY seems all set to make a repeat in his forthcoming film BODYGUARD which is already catching big time public attention. If so, it will be Salman’s fourth mega hit in a row.

Salman aims to outdo all Khans by dancing

By Subhash K Jha,Mumbai, July 30 : With his newly acquired confidence as a box office champ, Salman Khan is now working on proving himself as the best dancer among all the Khans.

This was his brief to his current favourite choreographer Mudassar Khan, when they started shooting the track "Desi beat" for his upcoming "Bodyguard".

"Salman is hell-bent on proving he's the best dancer among the Khans. When 'Desi beat' was being planned, Salman very clearly told Mudassar that he wants to be the best dancer among all the Khans. Salman shot the song like crazy," a source says.

As if getting his favourite choreographer was not enough, Salman also got on board a song director to shoot the number.

The concept of a song director joining the choreographer for a star is still novel in Bollywood. Sanjay Leela Bhansali served as a song director in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "1942: A Love Story" even as Farah Khan was the choreographer.

And now Salman, we hear from reliable sources, wants to patent this collaborative style of shooting a song.

"Salman will work simultaneously with a choreographer of his choice and a dance director in all his major song and dance numbers," says the source.

When asked about the "Bodyguard" number, producer Atul Agnihotri confirmed: "We got Mudassar and also a song director, Sumit Dutt. The number rocks."

The collaboration that started with "Dabangg" where Salman gave Mudassar the chance to choreograph the song "Humka peeni hai", has now reached a stage where Salman insists on bringing his blue-eyed choreographer in all his films as a lucky mascot. Looks like, Salman has found his own version of what Saroj Khan used to be for Madhuri Dixit.

For the "Bodyguard number", the source adds: "Mudassar was told to take Salman out of his comfort zone as a dancer. Salman has never done this before. This is the first time Salman has followed a choreographer's instruction to the minutest detail."

Salman aims to outdo all Khans by dancing

By Subhash K Jha,Mumbai, July 30 : With his newly acquired confidence as a box office champ, Salman Khan is now working on proving himself as the best dancer among all the Khans.

This was his brief to his current favourite choreographer Mudassar Khan, when they started shooting the track "Desi beat" for his upcoming "Bodyguard".

"Salman is hell-bent on proving he's the best dancer among the Khans. When 'Desi beat' was being planned, Salman very clearly told Mudassar that he wants to be the best dancer among all the Khans. Salman shot the song like crazy," a source says.

As if getting his favourite choreographer was not enough, Salman also got on board a song director to shoot the number.

The concept of a song director joining the choreographer for a star is still novel in Bollywood. Sanjay Leela Bhansali served as a song director in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "1942: A Love Story" even as Farah Khan was the choreographer.

And now Salman, we hear from reliable sources, wants to patent this collaborative style of shooting a song.

"Salman will work simultaneously with a choreographer of his choice and a dance director in all his major song and dance numbers," says the source.

When asked about the "Bodyguard" number, producer Atul Agnihotri confirmed: "We got Mudassar and also a song director, Sumit Dutt. The number rocks."

The collaboration that started with "Dabangg" where Salman gave Mudassar the chance to choreograph the song "Humka peeni hai", has now reached a stage where Salman insists on bringing his blue-eyed choreographer in all his films as a lucky mascot. Looks like, Salman has found his own version of what Saroj Khan used to be for Madhuri Dixit.

For the "Bodyguard number", the source adds: "Mudassar was told to take Salman out of his comfort zone as a dancer. Salman has never done this before. This is the first time Salman has followed a choreographer's instruction to the minutest detail."

I worked on the day my mom died: Paresh Rawal

My toughest scene: Paresh Rawal

In the 26 years of my film-acting and theatre, I've done some of the most challenging roles.

But my toughest scene I performed on June 23, 2010 in Sri Lanka for Anees Bazmi's Ready. It was the day my mother passed away.

When I heard the news, I felt a part of me died that very instant. I was numbed with grief. It was Salman Khan who gave me strength to go through the day.

He made all the arrangements for my travel back to Mumbai. Unfortunately, there was no connecting flight from Colombo to Mumbai till late in the evening. Instead of sitting in a corner swathed in my grief, I decided to finish my work for the day.

Believe me, it was the toughest performance I've ever given. I had to act drunk and then confront Mahesh Manjrekar in a party sequence.

I had to threaten him that I'd blurt out the truth about Asin's identity. Under normal circumstances the scene would have been a cakewalk.

But given the situation I was shattered by the loss, I could barely think straight, let alone act drunk and scream dramatic lines. It was an ordeal. But in hindsight it was a welcomed ordeal.

If I was not working at that point of time, I'd have probably collapsed with grief. Salmanbhai and his father Salimsaab were a great support and comfort. I don't think I could've gone through that day if I hadn't channelised my grief into work."

I worked on the day my mom died: Paresh Rawal

My toughest scene: Paresh Rawal

In the 26 years of my film-acting and theatre, I've done some of the most challenging roles.

But my toughest scene I performed on June 23, 2010 in Sri Lanka for Anees Bazmi's Ready. It was the day my mother passed away.

When I heard the news, I felt a part of me died that very instant. I was numbed with grief. It was Salman Khan who gave me strength to go through the day.

He made all the arrangements for my travel back to Mumbai. Unfortunately, there was no connecting flight from Colombo to Mumbai till late in the evening. Instead of sitting in a corner swathed in my grief, I decided to finish my work for the day.

Believe me, it was the toughest performance I've ever given. I had to act drunk and then confront Mahesh Manjrekar in a party sequence.

I had to threaten him that I'd blurt out the truth about Asin's identity. Under normal circumstances the scene would have been a cakewalk.

But given the situation I was shattered by the loss, I could barely think straight, let alone act drunk and scream dramatic lines. It was an ordeal. But in hindsight it was a welcomed ordeal.

If I was not working at that point of time, I'd have probably collapsed with grief. Salmanbhai and his father Salimsaab were a great support and comfort. I don't think I could've gone through that day if I hadn't channelised my grief into work."

Salman is a good friend of mine: Katrina Kaif

New Delhi, July 13 : Actress Katrina Kaif, who usually remains tight-lipped about her relationship status, told a fan that she is currently enjoying her time with family and that Salman Khan is her good friend.

During a chat with her fans on Airtel's "Talk2Me" platform, when the 26-year-old was quizzed about her relationship, she said: "At the moment I am just with my family and nothing going on like that."

When a fan said that people feel she looks good with Salman Khan, the British-born actress said: "Ya, he is a good friend of mine."

The two were reportedly seeing each other but broke off last year.

The actress is currently busy promoting her upcoming film "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", also starring Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar and Kalki Koechlin. The film directed by Zoya Akhtar will hit the screens Friday.

Salman is a good friend of mine: Katrina Kaif

New Delhi, July 13 : Actress Katrina Kaif, who usually remains tight-lipped about her relationship status, told a fan that she is currently enjoying her time with family and that Salman Khan is her good friend.

During a chat with her fans on Airtel's "Talk2Me" platform, when the 26-year-old was quizzed about her relationship, she said: "At the moment I am just with my family and nothing going on like that."

When a fan said that people feel she looks good with Salman Khan, the British-born actress said: "Ya, he is a good friend of mine."

The two were reportedly seeing each other but broke off last year.

The actress is currently busy promoting her upcoming film "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", also starring Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar and Kalki Koechlin. The film directed by Zoya Akhtar will hit the screens Friday.

Ready movie hits the Indian box office with a bang

Despite slammed by the critics, Salman Khan’s Ready is ruling the box office. The box office figures are impressive and with the weekend, the collection is likely to increase even more. The distributors are now aiming at a massive profit.

The opening of the movie at the box office had seen occupancy of nearly 60 to 80 percent at the multiplexes as well as the single screen theatres. Some of the shows of the evening have also reported to be house full.
Director Aneez Bazme has brought a not so original comedy flick for the audience starring Salman and Asin. However, the movie could not reach the opening that was received by the block buster movie ‘Dabangg’ that had released last years.

However, the fate of the movie will be decided in the upcoming days, whether the movie is really a hit or a flop. Moreover, the release of the movie has affected the other releases like ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’. The movie had till now done a business of 9 crores over the week, but the collections dropped as soon as the movie ‘Ready’ was released. The release of ‘Ready’ had also affected the business of Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Haunted 3D’, which had also done reasonable business since its release.

Ready movie hits the Indian box office with a bang

Despite slammed by the critics, Salman Khan’s Ready is ruling the box office. The box office figures are impressive and with the weekend, the collection is likely to increase even more. The distributors are now aiming at a massive profit.

The opening of the movie at the box office had seen occupancy of nearly 60 to 80 percent at the multiplexes as well as the single screen theatres. Some of the shows of the evening have also reported to be house full.
Director Aneez Bazme has brought a not so original comedy flick for the audience starring Salman and Asin. However, the movie could not reach the opening that was received by the block buster movie ‘Dabangg’ that had released last years.

However, the fate of the movie will be decided in the upcoming days, whether the movie is really a hit or a flop. Moreover, the release of the movie has affected the other releases like ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’. The movie had till now done a business of 9 crores over the week, but the collections dropped as soon as the movie ‘Ready’ was released. The release of ‘Ready’ had also affected the business of Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Haunted 3D’, which had also done reasonable business since its release.

'Dabangg' wins five at IIFA; Sonakshi, Ranvir win debut awards

Ranvir Singh won the award for debut male actor for his role in "Band Baaja Baaraat".

Accepting the award from Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, the young actor said: "It is special to me as the award is presented by my idol. (But) it is just the beginning."

Sonakshi Sinha bagged the debut female award for her role in "Dabangg".

Presenting her the award, Hema Malini said: "I saw this girl and never thought she will become an actress."

A beaming Sonakshi said: "Toronto, itna pyar. Thanks for giving me the gift of IIFA. I will cherish it forever."

Mamta Sharma won the award for best female playback singer for her song "Munni Badnaam" in "Dabangg".

"I love you so much... Lalitji I love you so much... Shah Rukh I love you much... Toronto I love you so much," said Mamta as Arshad Warsi handed her the award in the company of show co-hosts Boman Irani and Ritesh Deshmukh as well as Shah Rukh Khan.

The award for best male playback singer went to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for "Tere Mast Mast Do Nain" from "Dabangg".

For best lyrics, the award went to Niranjan Iyengar for "Sajda' and "Noor-e-Khuda" in "My Name is Khan". The award was accepted by Karan Johar on his behalf.

For music direction, the award went to Sajid-Wajid and Lalit Pandit for "Dabangg".

The award for best story went to Shibani Bathija for "My Name is Khan", presented by Brett Lee, Fardeen Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala.

The award for best screenplay went to Abhinav Kahsyap and Dileep Shukla for "Dabangg". It was presented by Zeenat Aman, Prakash Mehra and Sant Singh Chatwal.

The IIFA award for best dialogue went to Vishal Bharadwaj for "Ishqiya".

The Outstanding Achievement Award went to Sharmila Tagore.

Presenting her the award, Shabana Azmi said: "I am honoured to present this award to an actress for whom I have the highest regard - a path-breaker, achiever, a person who has been successful in every avatar she has chosen."

Dharmendra got the award for his half-century in Indian cinema.

Sharmilla Tagore said the award was "such a satisfying thing. It's fantastic. After Dharamji (who was honoured just before her), it is a tough act to follow".

She recalled Dharmendra's large heartedness when he agreed to a change of schedule for the shooting of a film when she had to "rush to Calcutta for personal reasons as Tiger (her husband) was in the West Indies".

For the first time at the IIFA, Star Plus channel presented the Hottest Pair award to Anushka Sharma and Ranvir Singh for which 15 million votes were cast online.

"Anushka, you make feel hot," said Ranvir, accepting the award in her company.

The first Green IIFA Award by Panasonic went to actress Priyanka Chopra.

'Dabangg' wins five at IIFA; Sonakshi, Ranvir win debut awards

Ranvir Singh won the award for debut male actor for his role in "Band Baaja Baaraat".

Accepting the award from Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, the young actor said: "It is special to me as the award is presented by my idol. (But) it is just the beginning."

Sonakshi Sinha bagged the debut female award for her role in "Dabangg".

Presenting her the award, Hema Malini said: "I saw this girl and never thought she will become an actress."

A beaming Sonakshi said: "Toronto, itna pyar. Thanks for giving me the gift of IIFA. I will cherish it forever."

Mamta Sharma won the award for best female playback singer for her song "Munni Badnaam" in "Dabangg".

"I love you so much... Lalitji I love you so much... Shah Rukh I love you much... Toronto I love you so much," said Mamta as Arshad Warsi handed her the award in the company of show co-hosts Boman Irani and Ritesh Deshmukh as well as Shah Rukh Khan.

The award for best male playback singer went to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for "Tere Mast Mast Do Nain" from "Dabangg".

For best lyrics, the award went to Niranjan Iyengar for "Sajda' and "Noor-e-Khuda" in "My Name is Khan". The award was accepted by Karan Johar on his behalf.

For music direction, the award went to Sajid-Wajid and Lalit Pandit for "Dabangg".

The award for best story went to Shibani Bathija for "My Name is Khan", presented by Brett Lee, Fardeen Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala.

The award for best screenplay went to Abhinav Kahsyap and Dileep Shukla for "Dabangg". It was presented by Zeenat Aman, Prakash Mehra and Sant Singh Chatwal.

The IIFA award for best dialogue went to Vishal Bharadwaj for "Ishqiya".

The Outstanding Achievement Award went to Sharmila Tagore.

Presenting her the award, Shabana Azmi said: "I am honoured to present this award to an actress for whom I have the highest regard - a path-breaker, achiever, a person who has been successful in every avatar she has chosen."

Dharmendra got the award for his half-century in Indian cinema.

Sharmilla Tagore said the award was "such a satisfying thing. It's fantastic. After Dharamji (who was honoured just before her), it is a tough act to follow".

She recalled Dharmendra's large heartedness when he agreed to a change of schedule for the shooting of a film when she had to "rush to Calcutta for personal reasons as Tiger (her husband) was in the West Indies".

For the first time at the IIFA, Star Plus channel presented the Hottest Pair award to Anushka Sharma and Ranvir Singh for which 15 million votes were cast online.

"Anushka, you make feel hot," said Ranvir, accepting the award in her company.

The first Green IIFA Award by Panasonic went to actress Priyanka Chopra.

SRK, Anushka win best actors at IIFA

Toronto, June 26 : Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was named the best male actor for Karan Johar's "My Name Is Khan", while Anushka Sharma picked the trophy for her role in "Band Baaja Baraat" at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here.

Anushka, who played a lively wedding planner in the movie, received her trophy from Shilpa Shetty Saturday night. Shah Rukh got his award from Anil Kapoor and American actress Hilary Swank, a surprise attraction at IIFA.

The best director award went to Karan Johar for "My Name Is Khan" - a story of a Muslim boy suffering from Asperger's syndrome.

What made Johar's award even more special was that he was presented the trophy by "Jerry Maguire" actor Cuba Gooding Jr, who was joined on stage by Indian beauty Bipasha Basu.

"Dabangg" took away the best film award.

SRK, Anushka win best actors at IIFA

Toronto, June 26 : Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was named the best male actor for Karan Johar's "My Name Is Khan", while Anushka Sharma picked the trophy for her role in "Band Baaja Baraat" at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here.

Anushka, who played a lively wedding planner in the movie, received her trophy from Shilpa Shetty Saturday night. Shah Rukh got his award from Anil Kapoor and American actress Hilary Swank, a surprise attraction at IIFA.

The best director award went to Karan Johar for "My Name Is Khan" - a story of a Muslim boy suffering from Asperger's syndrome.

What made Johar's award even more special was that he was presented the trophy by "Jerry Maguire" actor Cuba Gooding Jr, who was joined on stage by Indian beauty Bipasha Basu.

"Dabangg" took away the best film award.

'Dabangg' bags seven IIFA awards

Toronto, June 26 : Salman Khan starrer "Dabangg", last year's biggest Bollywoodhit, was adjudged the best film at the glittering 12th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here. The action-comedy bagged seven awards.

Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was named the best male actor for his performance as an asperger patient in Karan Johar's "My Name Is Khan", while Anushka Sharma received the best female actor for her lively role of a wedding planner in "Band Baaja Baraat".

The city's Roger's Centre erupted in cheers Saturday evening when Shah Rukh received the award from Anil Kapoor and Hollywood actress Hillary Swank who greeted the audience with a "Namaste".

Paying tributes to Yash Johar, whose seventh death anniversary falls Sunday, King Khan said: "I am glad that I could receive this award on this day. I have received so much love that tonight I am a Torontonian."

Karan Johar, who got the best director award for "My Name Is Khan" and said: "This is my first IIFA award. It couldn't have been possible without the brilliance of the protagonist of the film - Shah Rukh Khan. I dedicate it to my dad...I love and miss him."

In all, "Dabangg" bagged seven awards, including best female debut for Sonakshi Sinha.

Presenting the award to Sonakshi, yesteryears' diva Hema Malini said: "I saw this girl and never thought she will become an actress."

A beaming Sonakshi said: "Toronto, itna pyar (so much love). Thanks for giving me the gift of IIFA. I will cherish it forever."

Ranvir Singh won the award for best debut male award for his role in "Band Baaja Baaraat" Accepting the award from veteran actor couple Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, the young actor said: "It is special to me as the award is presented by my idol. (But) it is just the beginning."

The award for male supporting role went to Arjun Rampal for playing a politician in the political thriller "Raajneeti".

"'Raajneeti' is very close to my heart...I hope that I can be like Dharamji fifty years in the industry," said Arjun. Prachi Desai won the trophy for female supporting role for her performace in underworld drama "Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai".

Mamta Sharma won the award for best female playback singer for her song "Munni Badnaam" in "Dabanng".

"I love you so much... Shah Rukh I love you much... Toronto I love you so much," said Mamta as Arshad Warsi handed her the award in the company of show co-hosts Boman Irani and Ritesh Deshmukh as well as Shah Rukh Khan.

The award for best male playback singer went to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for "Tere mast mast do nain" from "Dabanng".

For best lyrics, the award went to Niranjan Iyengar for penning "Sajda" and "Noor-e-Khuda" in "My Name is Khan". The award was accepted by Karan Johar on his behalf. For best music direction, the award went to Sajid-Wajid and Lalit Pandit for "Dabangg".

The award for best story went to Shibani Bathija for "My Name is Khan". It was presented by Brett Lee, Fardeen Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala.

The award for best screenplay went to Abhinav Kahsyap and Dileep Shukla for "Dabangg". Zeenat Aman, Prakash Mehra and Sant Singh Chatwal presented the award.

The award for best dialogue went to Vishal Bharadwaj for "Ishqiya". Mallika Sherawat and Brian White - her co-star in a Hollywood movie - presented the award.

Sonu Sood received the award for best performance in a negative role for "Dabangg".

Dharmendra won an award for his half-century in Indian cinema, while the Outstanding Achievement Award went to Sharmila Tagore.

Handing Sharmila the award, Shabana Azmi said: "I am honoured to present this award to an actress for whom I have the highest regard - a path-breaker, achiever, a person who has been successful in every avatar she has chosen."

Sharmila said the award was "such a satisfying thing. It's fantastic. After Dharamji, it is a tough act to follow".

She recalled Dharmendra's large heartedness when he agreed to a change in schedule for the shooting of a film when she had to "rush to Calcutta for personal reasons as Tiger (her husband) was in the West Indies".

Asha Bhosle received the Lifetime Achievement Award. "She has been my favourite singer. She creates magic in ordinary songs," said Subash Ghai, presenting her the award. Priyanka Chopra wowed the crowd by performing a medley of Bhosle's songs before the award was presented.

For the first time at the IIFA, Star Plus channel presented the Hottest Pair award to Anushka Sharma and Ranvir Singh for which 15 million votes were cast online.

"Anushka, you make me feel hot," said Ranvir accepting the award in her company.

The first Green IIFA Award by Panasonic went to actress Priyanka Chopra. "This was totally unexpected," the actress said.

Ritiesh Deshmukh bagged the award for best performance in a comic role for the film "Housefull". Irrfan Khan, whom Anil Kapoor lauded for his performances on the global stage, received the IIFA award for his international performances.

'Dabangg' bags seven IIFA awards

Toronto, June 26 : Salman Khan starrer "Dabangg", last year's biggest Bollywoodhit, was adjudged the best film at the glittering 12th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here. The action-comedy bagged seven awards.

Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was named the best male actor for his performance as an asperger patient in Karan Johar's "My Name Is Khan", while Anushka Sharma received the best female actor for her lively role of a wedding planner in "Band Baaja Baraat".

The city's Roger's Centre erupted in cheers Saturday evening when Shah Rukh received the award from Anil Kapoor and Hollywood actress Hillary Swank who greeted the audience with a "Namaste".

Paying tributes to Yash Johar, whose seventh death anniversary falls Sunday, King Khan said: "I am glad that I could receive this award on this day. I have received so much love that tonight I am a Torontonian."

Karan Johar, who got the best director award for "My Name Is Khan" and said: "This is my first IIFA award. It couldn't have been possible without the brilliance of the protagonist of the film - Shah Rukh Khan. I dedicate it to my dad...I love and miss him."

In all, "Dabangg" bagged seven awards, including best female debut for Sonakshi Sinha.

Presenting the award to Sonakshi, yesteryears' diva Hema Malini said: "I saw this girl and never thought she will become an actress."

A beaming Sonakshi said: "Toronto, itna pyar (so much love). Thanks for giving me the gift of IIFA. I will cherish it forever."

Ranvir Singh won the award for best debut male award for his role in "Band Baaja Baaraat" Accepting the award from veteran actor couple Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, the young actor said: "It is special to me as the award is presented by my idol. (But) it is just the beginning."

The award for male supporting role went to Arjun Rampal for playing a politician in the political thriller "Raajneeti".

"'Raajneeti' is very close to my heart...I hope that I can be like Dharamji fifty years in the industry," said Arjun. Prachi Desai won the trophy for female supporting role for her performace in underworld drama "Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai".

Mamta Sharma won the award for best female playback singer for her song "Munni Badnaam" in "Dabanng".

"I love you so much... Shah Rukh I love you much... Toronto I love you so much," said Mamta as Arshad Warsi handed her the award in the company of show co-hosts Boman Irani and Ritesh Deshmukh as well as Shah Rukh Khan.

The award for best male playback singer went to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for "Tere mast mast do nain" from "Dabanng".

For best lyrics, the award went to Niranjan Iyengar for penning "Sajda" and "Noor-e-Khuda" in "My Name is Khan". The award was accepted by Karan Johar on his behalf. For best music direction, the award went to Sajid-Wajid and Lalit Pandit for "Dabangg".

The award for best story went to Shibani Bathija for "My Name is Khan". It was presented by Brett Lee, Fardeen Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala.

The award for best screenplay went to Abhinav Kahsyap and Dileep Shukla for "Dabangg". Zeenat Aman, Prakash Mehra and Sant Singh Chatwal presented the award.

The award for best dialogue went to Vishal Bharadwaj for "Ishqiya". Mallika Sherawat and Brian White - her co-star in a Hollywood movie - presented the award.

Sonu Sood received the award for best performance in a negative role for "Dabangg".

Dharmendra won an award for his half-century in Indian cinema, while the Outstanding Achievement Award went to Sharmila Tagore.

Handing Sharmila the award, Shabana Azmi said: "I am honoured to present this award to an actress for whom I have the highest regard - a path-breaker, achiever, a person who has been successful in every avatar she has chosen."

Sharmila said the award was "such a satisfying thing. It's fantastic. After Dharamji, it is a tough act to follow".

She recalled Dharmendra's large heartedness when he agreed to a change in schedule for the shooting of a film when she had to "rush to Calcutta for personal reasons as Tiger (her husband) was in the West Indies".

Asha Bhosle received the Lifetime Achievement Award. "She has been my favourite singer. She creates magic in ordinary songs," said Subash Ghai, presenting her the award. Priyanka Chopra wowed the crowd by performing a medley of Bhosle's songs before the award was presented.

For the first time at the IIFA, Star Plus channel presented the Hottest Pair award to Anushka Sharma and Ranvir Singh for which 15 million votes were cast online.

"Anushka, you make me feel hot," said Ranvir accepting the award in her company.

The first Green IIFA Award by Panasonic went to actress Priyanka Chopra. "This was totally unexpected," the actress said.

Ritiesh Deshmukh bagged the award for best performance in a comic role for the film "Housefull". Irrfan Khan, whom Anil Kapoor lauded for his performances on the global stage, received the IIFA award for his international performances.