Deepika Padukone

‘Bajirao Mastani’ conquered all at the 61st Britannia Filmfare Awards 2015 where Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical romance drama swept up nine awards, including best actor (male), best director, best film, besides awards in technical categories.

In 1996, he made his directorial debut with ‘Khamoshi’ which won five Filmfare awards and in 2005 ‘Black’ took home a record 11. Now with ‘Bajirao Mastani’ adding nine feathers to his cap, Bhansali has virtually mastered the art of making history.

’Piku’, Shoojit Sircar’s adorable feature about the connection between motions and emotions, came a close second with five black ladies. The statuesque Deepika Padukone won best actor (female) for her portrayal of the daughter of a cantankerous hypochondriac in ‘Piku’.

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar presented the lifetime achievement award to veteran actor Moushumi Chatterjee. “At last, I won this,” said Chatterjee clutching the black lady. “Thank you Filmfare, jury and fans who got me here,” she said.

Two things elevated the award ceremony to the level of a spectator sport this year: a grand new venue and, of course, Shah Rukh Khan. The event saw host Shah Rukh taking digs at everyone from censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani — “He was known for the film ‘Aankhein’, now he is known more for his ‘nazariya’ (perspective)” — to ‘Piku’.

Additional comic relief was supplied by fellow hosts, the wry Kapil Sharma and quick-witted Karan Johar. “This event is not about coffees but about trophies,” opened Johar.

Salman Khan, the man who can turn mundane, everyday movements into legitimate dance steps, made a dashing entrance in a silver cage that hovered above the audience.

Sooraj Pancholi won the Best Debutant award (Male) for ‘Hero’ while Bhumi Pednekar was awarded the Best Debutant (Female) for ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’.

The Critics Award for Best Actor (Male) went to Amitabh Bachchan for ‘Piku’ while the Best Actor Critics Choice (Female) was bagged by Kangana Ranaut for ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’.

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