The 55th Filmfare Awards

After a relaxed day and finishing up all the planned jobs, it was time for my evening workout followed by settling down, in front of the television, to watch the Filmfare Awards ceremony. Over the years, the ceremony has become sleeker, with every passing year, with more of substance and elegant packaging. No wonder the star studded evening is one of the most popular events of tinsel town even though there is a plethora of awards functions. My endeavour is not to review the function but to touch upon a few snippets that tugged at my heart.
I think the most poignant moment was when a wheelchair bound Shashi Kapoor was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award. One of my favourite actors, who was always effervescent in the roles he essayed, he was suave and elegant in the way he carried himself, both off and on the screen. I was reminded of the saying and I quote, “Time erodes gratitude, just as it does beauty” on seeing him in his present condition. My favourite Shashi Kapoor movie is the evergreen, ‘Sharmilee’ in which he'd acted opposite Rakhee, who was in a double role.
The section that paid a tribute to all the film personalities who'd bid adieu to this world during the year 2009 was not only touching but appropriate.
Another poignant moment was when lyricist and music director, Khayyam, received the second 'lifetime achievement' award of the evening, from Asha Bhonsle. He nostalgically remembered his initial days of struggle and spoke movingly of how the late BR Chopra took him under his wings, as his assistant, and gave him his first remuneration of Rs. 125/-.
I was also elated that the movie, that I was backing all the way, ‘Three Idiots’ bagged quite a haul of awards including the ‘best film’s’.
Our Filmfare Awards can definitely match the Oscars, in glitz and substance while retaining the ‘desi’ flavour all through. Cheers!