Top of the pack

It was a moment of mixed emotions for the superstar when he walked down the stage with his award. He confesses that though he would have been happier had he won the jury award for Best Actor,every award is important to him. “I have two little children who do me proud by bringing home prizes,trophies. So every time I return home after attending an award function,they ask me if I won. I hate it if I disappoint them,” he says,in all honesty. His winning combo with friend Karan Johar worked in 2010 too when both came together for My Name Is Khan.

At the ceremony,the 42-year-old also played the host alongside Shahid Kapoor,showing off his wicked humour. Despite having had a long-running career,Khan says he wants to continue entertaining people. “I have much more than I deserve and I want to give it back to where it comes from — the audience,the fans.”

Katrina Kaif
Best Actor (Female) – Popular Choice

When Katrina Kaif came into the industry in 2003,most critics thought that her English accent and poor acting abilities wouldn’t take her too far. But things have changed for Kaif,who over the years has been termed a ‘lucky charm’ by filmmakers and also been voted as the most popular actress. The testimony of her popularity was the golden statuette she won at the Star Screen Awards. “I am overwhelmed. I cannot believe I won this. This is my first in this category ever,” gushes Kaif.

For Kaif,who has worked hard to gain acceptance in this industry,thanked all her directors,producers and co-stars. This year,has been special for her with Raajneeti being declared a hit and her item number Sheila Ki Jawani from Tees Maar Khan topping the charts. “For this award,I would like to thank Prakash Jha who had the faith in me.”

Vidya Balan
Best Actor (Female)

A Jubilant,uninhibited smile lights up her face as Vidya Balan clutches her Best Actor (Female) trophy,the newest feather in her already decorated cap. The actress has won the award for her acclaimed feisty and bold character in Ishqiya. “It’s a dream run,” she exclaims. The lovely actress swept pretty much all awards last year for her role in Paa and hopes that Ishqiya does an encore for her.

Ishqiya,however,she says,is indeed a film close to her heart and has done much for her. “It took a lot from me as an actor to portray the character. But the sheer joy of doing the film,and that too with such talent as Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi as colleagues and Abhishek Chaubey as the director is indescribable. The credit for the kind of films I am now being offered — substantial ones that push my limits as an actor — goes to Ishqiya,” says the actress whose next release is Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani and Milan Luthria’s The Dirty Picture.