Kannada film Mr & Mrs Ramachari swept the Siima Awards in 10 categories on the first day of the awards on Thursday, while it was a mixed bag for Telugu cinema with Racegurram and Manam running neck and neck, with the latter winning the race by a whisker.
The third edition of the two-day South Indian International Movie Awards, at Dubai World Trade Centre, got off to a glittering start with a red carpet rolled out for stars and celebrities from Telugu and Kannada film industry. (Awards for Tamil and Malayalam films were given on Friday.)
The late, legendary producer Dr D. Ramanaidu was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Indian cinema over more than five decades. Ramanaidu’s son Venkatesh and grandsons Rana Daggubati and Nagachaitanya collected the award.
There were emotional scenes after a video presentation on Ramanaidu, with Daggubati fighting back tears as Venkatesh and Nagarjuna’s son Nagachaitanya choked on their words.
Manam, thespian Akkinneni Nageswara Rao’s last film, which featured the entire Akkineni family, won Best Film, while Balakrishna walked away with the Best Actor award for his role in Legend.
If there is one film that’s on the minds of the audience long after the extravagant show, it’s Mr & Mrs Ramachari. Yash, who won the best actor award, credited the entire team for its success and shared hopes that Mr & Mrs Ramachari will restore glory to Kannada cinema.
Highlights of the evening were enthralling performances by Shirya Sharan, Ada Sharma and Praneeta. Usha Uthup, in her inimitable voice, pumped up the audience with a medley of chartbusters including her signature Rambha ho... with actors Venkatesh, Balakrishna, Daggubati, Sonu Sood, Shriya, Khushboo and Suhasini dancing and singing along with the Queen of Pop.
The evening shone bright as the stars and celebrities sashayed, dressed in their classiest, gorgeous best. Gowns with trains were de rigueur. Extravagant sets coupled with magnificent audio system and smoke- and fire-spewing machines made the evening a visual treat.
Comedian Ali and Srimukhi conducted the proceedings along with Vivek.
