The stage is massive,the setting is magnificent and Hindi cinemas star brigade is all poised to step out in full strength for the years first awards ceremony,the Karbonn Mobiles 17th Annual Star Screen Awards,on Thursday at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbais Bandra-Kurla Complex. For Bollywood,2010 threw up a delightful mix of fresh talent and innovative ideas along with the usual wholesome entertainment combining action,drama and comedy like never before. This is what will be celebrated at the glitzy stage of the Star Screen Awards. This edition of the awards is also special since it celebrates 60 years of Screen. In an evening imbued with nostalgia,there will be a special act dedicated to its six-decade journey. For the Best Film trophy,Band Baaja Baaraat,Peepli [Live and Udaan helmed by first-time directors Maneesh Sharma,Anusha Rizvi and Vikramaditya Motwane,respectively are in the race along with Love Sex Aur Dhokha,Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and Raajneeti. The last three have been directed by Dibakar Banarjee,Milan Luthria and Prakash Jha. All six of them have also been nominated for the Best Director Award. That I am nominated for the first Indian awards of the year matters a great deal, said an excited Rizvi. Filmmakers such as Prakash Jha and Milan Luthria,who have been nominated in this category,are way more experienced than me. It is such a great pleasure. For the past few years,the Star Screen Awards has been applauding this trend of coming together of new and established talent. The frontrunner in the awards race this year is Udaan a film that explores the strained relationship between an authoritarian father and his teenage son with 14 nominations,followed by Ishqiya,whose debutant director Abhishek Chaubey has picked up 13 nominations for deftly exploring film noir. Both Dabangg,directed by debutant Abhinav Singh Kashyap,and My Name is Khan,directed by Karan Johar,have bagged 12 nominations each. The 2010s best cinematic achievements and moments will be celebrated amid some high-voltage and memorable performances. Riding high on the mega success of Dabangg,Salman Khan nominated for the Best Actor (Male) award both by the jury as in the popular category will be showcasing some jaw-dropping dance moves in his inimitable style. The leading ladies who will add to the evenings excitement with their performances are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Katrina Kaif. Rai Bachchan has bagged the jury nomination for Best Actor (Female) for Guzaarish,and been nominated for the same award in the popular category for Robot. Kaif has also been nominated for Best Actor (Popular Choice). Humour has always ruled the Star Screen Awards ceremony,thanks to its witty and funny anchors. In keeping with this tradition,Band Baaja Baaraats Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh will make their maiden appearance as hosts. Shahid Kapoor,who had the audience in splits with his gags last year,will be anchoring a special segment. The 17th edition of the awards will also showcase some landmark moments of Hindi cinema. In a rare phenomenon,three members of a family Rishi Kapoor,wife Neetu Singh and son Ranbir have been nominated for top honours in the acting categories. The fact that my wife Neetu Singh,my son Ranbir and I have been nominated in the same year is the biggest high for me. Even if I dont win,it does not matter, said Rishi Kapoor. Another rare event is Paresh Rawals nomination for the Best Actor statuette for his role in Road To Sangam. I am very happy that the film has been recognised and appreciated, Rawal said.
