The night had been awaited with great
expectations by entertainment circles of India and South Africa. A
cross-cultural award ceremony coupled with various knowledge sharing and talent
initiatives was a novel idea, and SAIFTA (South Africa India Film and
Television Awards) 2013’s debut did not disappoint, only exceeded expectations
with its energy, glamour and substance.
Durban’s most happening address on Friday
evening was the glittering International Convention Centre, undoubtedly counted
among one of the world’s best convention centres. The red carpet set the tone
for things to come, with Bollywood heartthrobs Ranveer Singh and Sidharth
Malhotra walking down looking dapper in their suits, while the sizzling Amy
Fernandes strutted down in her beautiful gown. Mr. Sadha Naidoo, Board
Chairperson, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Ms. Neliswe Dlamini, Project Manager
DEDT were seen interacting with Mukesh Bhatt and Waheeda Rehman and Abhay Deol.
Telly stars from Indian shores Manish Paul
who makes his film debut soon walked in with his co-star Elli Avram, Mona
Singh, Apurva and Shilpa Agnihotri, Ravi Dubey, Sargun Mehta and more were
joined by their contemporaries from the Rainbow nation. It was this rubbing of
shoulders and the exchange of ideas that gave SAIFTA its successful vibe right
away.
The motley crew of over 150 film and TV
personalities from India, 30 top South African film/TV personalities and the
7,000-strong live audience at Durban took their seats and perhaps never moved
till the end of the ceremony. The
exhilarating performances were kick started by Sidharth Malhotra who set the
stage on fire with his moves. Designer Alpa Reena’s couture was featured at the
special fashion show.
SAIFTA also witnessed the outstanding energy
of Priyanka Chopra. Madhuri Dixit charmed a new continent over with her
scintillating dance moves. Not to forget, holding the evening together in his
inimitable wit was film maker Karan Johar, accompanied by beautiful Dia Mirza,
the gorgeous Tatum Keshwar and the charming Simba.
Best Supporting Actor respectively, it was
the competitive Film of the Year category that drew many cheers from the
diverse audience, before ‘Barfi’ walked away with the award. Bollywood’s
debutants also had their shine under the African sun, with Sidharth Malhotra
for student of the year and Huma Qureshi for ‘Gangs of Wassepur’ claiming best
debut honours. The trophy for the Director of the Year was proudly held by
Abhishek Kapoor for ‘Kai Po Che’ while ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from ‘Aashiqui 2’
deservingly received the Popular Song of the Year Title.
John Abraham won the Youth Icon of the year :
South Africa. Special Madiba Award was given to Mr. Nelson
Mandela which was received by his grand daughter Ndileka Mandela.
On the television front, the popular soap
Pavitra Rishta of Zee TV picked up the Show of the Year award, the dashing
Gurmeet Choudhary was adjudged Lead Actor of the Year while Kratika Sengar of
Punar Vivaah was elated to be the Lead Actor – Female.
It was the awards to the top South African
film and TV personalities that opened a never-seen-before dimension for the
Indian fraternity. And it was intriguing for many to glimpse
into the South African television industry as ‘7De Laan’ was cheered to win the
TV Show of the Year, followed by TV Actor of the Year Honours which went to
Robert Whitehead for ‘Isidingo’ and Baby
Cele Zabalaza.
Envisioned as a signature event that would
forge a new relationship between the Kwa-Zulu Natal province and India, the
SAIFTA’s brought in all the right energies in their debut edition. The presence
of dignitaries such as Leleti Khumalo, Welcome Msomi, Saira Essa, Haroun
Hansrot, Caroine Smart, Sorisha and Vivian Naidoo among many others only meant
that this platform for cross-cultural exchange is poised for a vibrant future.
In a calendar with many award ceremonies,
SAIFTA is set to carve its niche thanks to the rich cultural platform it comes
from. Going by its rollicking beginning, it has already reached close to
realising this objective.
SAIFTA 2013 has been possible only because of
the hard-working and perseverant band of talented people behind it – creative
show director Kedhar Gawde, creative director Ritika Bajaj, event and brand
consultants Work That Works, choreographer for 100 dancers for India and Durban
Geeta Kapoor, costumes by Manish Malhotra, set design by Magic Oxide, script
writer Sabina Gulati, collateral design Two Design Solutions, TV crew by Masens
Group and Aarya 24kt pure 24KT Gold products and Bateel, Gifting partners.
South Africa India Film and Television Awards
(SAIFTA) by Celebrity Locker is the first of its kind awards ceremony bringing
Bollywood to Durban to felicitate talent from both countries in the sphere of
cinema and television. SAIFTA aims to reach out to audiences and enhance cross
cultural integration and provide an exciting platform between India and South
Africa coming together to share technical ideas, talent, promote film locations
and boost tourism.
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