BhaagMilkhaBhaag, by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, stole the limelight at the 15th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. The movie was presented the Best Picture Award. The film, which brings alive the the story of India’s star athlete, Milkha Singh’s early life on the big screen, gained huge popularity eventually, despite the slow start. Milkha Singh, who was present at the award ceremony, received a standing ovation as the sports biopic based on his life was also in attendance at the IIFA ceremony. He got a standing ovation as the biopic on his life received the best picture honour. In fact, the show faced an emotional moment as Mehra humbly handed over the award to the Flying Sikh, saying that he (Mehra) did not deserve it.
‘Milkha Singh’ has bagged 9 awards at the ceremony, both technical awards as well as Magic of the Movies awards. The role of Milkha Singh was portrayed by Farhan Akhtar who received the Best Actor Award for the year for his role. Akhtar, who was the anchor of the show, performed on his own songs like DilChahta Hai and Zindagi Na MilegiDobara, and was seen giving an overwhelmed hug to Milkha Singh while performing on Zinda from the sports drama.
DeepikaPadukone received the best Leadin Role Award in the female category for her role in Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express against Shah Rukh Khan. In fact, Deepika had been nominated for two other films as well: Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela. Her roles in both the films had brought her profuse complements as well. According to Deepika, 2013 has been a lucky year for her, and she has been able to break the myth that 13 is an unlucky number. She was also presented with the Best Entertainer Award of the year. The award was handed to her by Hollywood’s Kevin Spacey, an Oscar-winning actor. Ram Leela co- star, Ranvir Singh, presented her with the Best Actress Award.
YehJawani Hai Deewani brought Aditya Roy Kapur the award for the best supporting actor (male), while Divya Dutta received the same honour in the female category for her enthralling roleMilkha’s elder sister, and portraying the care and affection for her younger brother with perfection in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Arshad Warsi bagged the Award for the Best Performance in a Comic Role for the movie, Jolly LLB, while yesteryear’s actor, Rishi Kapoor was honoured with the Award for the Best Performance in Negative Role in D-Day.
Veteran actor turned politician, Shatrughan Sinha, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible contribution to Indian Cinema. Sinha has been a popular name for many years for his unique style of dialogue delivery, mixed with power-packed acting style in films such as Kranti, KhoonBhariMaang, AsliNaqli and many other super hit films. Hollywood’s famous actor, John Travolta was presented with the Most Popular All time International star in India Award at this ceremony.