By Shevaal Singh [@being_shevaal]
South Africa proudly presented its very 1st SAIFTA – South African India Film and Television Awards last night in a spectacular event which brought local South African celebrities together with India’s finest TV stars and Stars of Indian Cinema. Below is the list of winners at last night’s prestigious event.
List of SAIFTA Awards 2013 Winners
Bollywood Cinema
Best Actor – Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!)
Best Actress – Priyanka Chopra (Barfi!)
Best Film – Barfi
Best Director – Abhishek Kapoor (Kai Po Che)
Best Supporting Actress – Rani Mukherjee (Talaash) and Divya Dutta (Special 26)
Best Supporting Actor – Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Gangs Of Wasseypur 1)
Best Debut Male – Siddharth Malhotra
Best Debut Female – Huma Qureshi
Best Song of the Year – Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2)
SAIFTA Television Awards
Best Actor – Gurmeet Choudhary (Punar Vivah)
Best Actress – Kratika Sengar (Punar Vivah)
Best TV Show – Pavitra Rishta
The red carpet ceremony was beyond glamorous as stars got to interact with their fans in the SAIFTA fan-pit and great interactive time with media. The event boasts a great diversity of both Indian and South African culture. In conversation with the Indian and South African stars on the carpet they had the following to say…
‘I am having a wonderful time in Durban, it is wonderful being here and meeting my fans and enjoying the beauty of the city’ – Madhuri Dixit-Nene.
‘I am enjoying the atmosphere and being around my fans and I am having a great time’ – Sidharth Malhotra.
‘Thrilled to be part of SAIFTA, it showcases our beautiful city. The skills exchange truly great and I am looking forward to a great night more especially Madhuri Dixit’s dance performance’ – Jailoshni Naidoo.
‘Durban is a beautiful city with lovely people’ – Rithvik Dhanjani.
‘It is great to be here in South Africa it is a great experience’ – Aamir Ali.
‘Durban is great place with lots of lovely people and I am enjoying my time here’– Karan Wahi.
‘I am a big believer of SAIFTA , It is about time this happened where we collaborate India with South Africa as we share a rich history – I am honoured for being associated with SAIFTA’– Kajal Bagwandeen.
‘I was the MC at the launch, it is great skills transfer between the countries and I want to be here for every SAIFTA. I am awaiting for Sidharth Malhotra’s performance as I watched Student of the Year’– Simba Mhera.
‘I was part of the launch earlier this year, I am very happy to be here at SAIFTA. It is a beautiful concept and should have happened decades ago! Love to the people of Durban’ – Sorisha Naidoo.
‘Durban is a beautiful warm city; I love the ocean and atmosphere of the city. I cannot believe I have not come here before now, I am hosting SAIFTA and am so excited to be here’– Karan Johar.
‘I hope SAIFTA goes of perfectly well and I am awaiting Madhuri Dixit’s performance tonight’ – Hemant Thacker, Celebrity Locker.
‘ I am very excited about SAIFTA, It places Durban on a global platform , I am ecstatic that we have SAIFTA trending on Twitter – Praneetha Aniruth , Co-founder of I love Durban & Carver Media.
‘ I grew up being in love with Bollywood cinema , dance and after years of watching Filmfare and IIfA , SAIFTA has given us the opportunity to be part of a real Bollywood experience! personally this was the best experience of my life and career as a dancer/ choreographer. It was a great experience to be choreographed by the renowned Geeta Kapoor and her work station. The experience was unreal magical, With regard to local shows and concerts that usually take place in Durban-the SAIFTA experience was phenomenal as a performer. Performing with Madhuri Dixit was a blessing and dream come true. She is so humble and she gives you inspiration to excel as a performer. I am proud to say that 2 dancers from my company X.D.C were part of the main SAIFTA dance team and X.D.C team performed with the sensational Shalmali. I have not yet worked in India but SAIFTA has given us a chance to experience what it feels like. After long hours of dance and challenging choreography my skills as a choreographer has developed incredibly due to Geeta Kapoor & her work station. I put in 200% as a dancer and I would love to be part of the SAIFTA experience again!’ – Sashin Rob Kandhai , Dancer at SAIFTA / Co-owner of X.D.C ,Durban.
‘It’s Bollywood in South Africa!- I love the beautiful people especially Shah Rukh Khan , Priyanka Chopra & Arjun Rampal but tonight I am especially looking forward to Madhuri Dixit’ – Leandra Reddy.
‘ Sidharth Malhotra’s performance was my favourite of course! I loved him in his debut film Student Of The Year and seeing him live was spectacular…I thought SAIFTA was a stunning testament to South Africa and India’s ties with each other in a vibrant extravaganza which showcased the talents of both countries – SAIFTA was a truly spectacular night which proves that South Africa is ready to complete on an international level – Avastha Singh , I Love Durban Blogger.
The event venue was exquisitely set up to promote the fusion of both South African and Indian heritage. The lavish affair was hosted by Karan Johar and the dazzling Diya Mirza together with Mona Singh and South Africa’s beauty who by Karan Johar said she is Deepika Padukone’s South African sister , former miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar and Actress/Comedian and TV personality Jailoshni Naidoo. Designers Haroun Hansrot and Alpa-Reena showcased an elaborate, exquisite and timeless collection of regal fashion. The heartthrob of the year Sidharth Malhotra kicked of the show with his Ishq wala love – Disco deewane performance followed by the Indian TV stars beautiful Aashiqui 2 performance by Rithvik Dhanjani and Asha Negi , Sargun Mehta with Ravi Dubey and Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheik. The most awaited performance of the night was definitely the most amazing! Madhuri Dixit stole the show with her Maar Dala performance which ended in her spectacular sensational Ghagra from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Ranveer Singh in his energetic hearth-pumping performance treated audiences to the best music of the last 100 years of cinema. Singer Shalmali enthrals audiences with her dynamic voice singing her famous tunes just before the desi girl Priyanka Chopra captivated audiences with her fusion Zulu tribal dance sequence mixed with her hits Desi Girl and Deva Shree Ganesha. The SAIFTA main event was an experience of a lifetime for many. Having the stars in our city was a dream come true for many. Well done to Kedhar Gawde & The Celebrity Locker team for making this experience unforgettable. Looking forward to SAIFTA 2014…
Bollywood Tempest Creator,Writer & Designer with the gracefully talented beauty Madhuri Dixit on the SAIFTA red carpet !
Here are some exclusive images straight from the elaborate Red Carpet Event!
