from Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld Media Network (SM)
Hyderabad, Aug 7: The 54th Fair-One Filmfare Awards 2006 was presented in a grand function arranged in HITEX, convention center Madhapur, Hyderabad on Saturday August 4 night.
The function was graced by Amitab Bachchan, Chiranjeevi, Mammootty, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Krishnam Raju, Vijay, Puneet Raj Kumar, Ram Charan Teja, Ravi Teja, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Trisha, Nayana Tara, Ramya Krishna, Bhavana, Sandhya, AR Rehman, Devi Sri Prasad, SP Balasubramanyam, Jesudas, Chitra, P Suseela etc.
Deepak (Sampangi fame) and Archana played the hosts for the evening. Celebs Vineet, Meenakshi, Devisiri Prasad, Archana, Kamna Jetmalani, Kaniha, Neetu Chandra, Mamata Mohandas and Simran sizzled the evening with their dance performances.
Chief guest Amitabh Bachchan gave away the 54th Filmfare 'cinematic legendary' awards to Megastars Chiranjeevi and Mammootty. Rebel star Krishnam Raju and noted singer P Susheela were selected for lifetime achievement awards.
Krishnam Raju received the award from K Raghavendra Rao, while P Susheela received the award from K Viswanath.
Devisri Prasad received the Best Music Director award for Bommarillu, while A R Rehman received it for Jillendru Oru Kathal (Nuvvu Nenu Prema in Telugu).
In the Telugu awards category Pokiri got the best actor award for Maheshbabu (his wife Namrata Shirodkar received the award on his behalf) and the best director award for Puri Jagan. Saikumar won the best actor award for his performance in a supporting role in Samanyudu.
Genelia won the best actress award for Bommarillu and Annavaram won the best supporting role (Sandhya). Ram and Ileana received the Best Debut awards for Devadasu.
SP Balu received the best playback singer (male) trophy and Mamta Mohandas (Rakhee Rakhee) received the best playback singer (female) award. Veturi bagged the best lyricist award for 'Uppongele Godavari' (Godavari).
Lawrence received the best choreographer award for Style and S Gopal Reddy bagged the best cinematographer award for Sree Ramadasu.
Amitab Bachchan has lots of respect for other actors and always encourages them with good words. Amitab Bachchan called Chiranjeevi as King of Indian cinema when he attended the felicitation of Chiranjeevi after receiving Padma Bhushan award. After presenting the Filmfare legend awards to Chiranjeevi and Mammotty, he said that though he is tall in physical height, he is shorter to these southern superstars in stature. He also said that the contribution made by Chiranjeevi and Mammootty is more than what he has done to Indian film industry.
The entire galaxy of stars descended for the 54th Fair-One Filmfare Awards 2006 and leading the parade was none other than the biggest icon of Indian cinema, said Amitabh Bachchan. He made a grand entry flanked by son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.
Dr Anuj Saxena, MD of Elder Pharmaceuticals gave best lyricist to Veturi for Telugu film Godavari, Best playback singer Yesudas in Malayalam category, Jagdish Saxena gave award to best female debut to Ileana for Telugu film Devadasu.
About Filmfare
Filmfare is India's oldest and largest read film magazine. The Filmfare Awards were constituted in 1953. The First award ceremony was held on March 21, 1954. It is the original award and remains the most coveted and prestigious one.
About Elder Pharmaceuticals
Elder is a company with a strong portfolio of brands across the pharmaceutical and FMCG sector. With dominant products like Shelcal and other well-know brands like Fair One, Tiger Balm, AM-PM mouthwash and Blistex lip care products. Elder is determined to achieve a prominent place in the national and international Health Care arena. Elder, welcomes the role of celebrating talent and beauty in any field. The company continues to support and encourage through all its ventures.
The 54th Fair One Filmfare Awards 2006 is the property of Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd. (Times Group - BBC Worldwide Joint Venture)
Kannada Category
1 Best Film Mungaru Male
2 Best actor Puneeth Raj Kumar
3 Best actress Ramya
4 Best director Indrajith Lokesh
5 Best music director Mano Murthy
6 Best male playback singer Hemanth
7 Best famele playback singer Chitra
8 Best actor in supporting role Rangayana Raghu
9 Best actress in supporting role Leelavathi
10 Best lyricist K Kalyan