‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ bags top honours at IIFA awards

Madrid, June 26

The Bollywood titans of 2015—‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’--emerged victorious at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2016 with the Salman Khan-starrer winning the best picture while Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus taking home the best director gong.

Director Kabir Khan heaped praise on his lead star as he accepted the best picture award at the 17th edition of the awards held here.

“Thank you IIFA, thank you Salman for starring and also producing the movie. He let me do the film the way I wanted to.”

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Bhansali was honoured with the award by his lead actors--Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

“No other film of mine has got so much love like ‘Bajirao...’. I am surprised to see how it has done so well this awards season. It is a special moment for me to get this award by my three favourite actors. I don’t want to thank anyone for the film because a ‘thank you’ is not enough,” the director said.

The historical romantic saga earned Ranveer the best actor trophy for his portrayal of the great Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao.

The actor began his acceptance speech by thanking his director but did not miss a chance to show his affection towards rumoured girlfriend Deepika. “I am so glad I won. I left ‘Befikre’ shoot to come here. I have to thank Sanjay sir. I love you.

“There’s another special person I must thank. I was moved by her performance on ‘Bajirao’ songs during the show. She is the Leela to my Raam, Mastani to my Bajirao and I don’t know what’s next. Girl, you are so fine. Nothing makes me happier than you...I mean winning an award here with you,” the actor said.

Deepika, who was nominated for two films in the best actress category, won the honour for Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Piku’ thanks to her sincere performance of a cranky yet responsible daughter.

The 30-year-old star dedicated the award to the film’s writer Juhi Chaturvedi and all those who work behind the scenes. “I want to thank Juhi, who made my performance worthwhile. I thank all spot boys, light men who work so hard,” she said.

Deepika also mentioned a “special someone” in her speech, though without naming the person. “I also thank my team and that special person. You know who you are.” The night belonged to ‘Bajirao Mastani’ as Priyanka was honoured with the best supporting actress award.

The actress said she wanted to share the honour with her co-star and fellow nominee Tanvi Azmi, who is the National Award-winner this year for her work in the movie. PTI