'Chak De India' wins nine IIFA awards

Bangkok, Jun 9 (UNI) Bollywood's King Shahrukh Khan once again proved that he rules the film industry as his film 'Chak De India' won nine awards at the nineth India International Film Academy (IIFA) awards including the Best Film here last night.

King Khan's other magnum opus 'Om Shanti Om' wrapped five awards as the gala event climaxed with a stunning stunt act by Akshay Kumar, who had four hits in 2007, as he zoomed into the stage from the left end ceiling of Siam Niramit Auditorium. When he sang 'Singh is King', the entire auditorium joined him.

It was a complete domination of King Khan films at the awards ceremony, in which he was conspicous by his absence. He had kept away from the IIFA weekends over the last three years, stating that the dates clashed with the vacation he had with his kids.

As anticipated, Kareena Kapoor won the Best Actress Award for her film 'Jab We Met'.

Akshay Kumar, who had worked in Thailand as a waiter 20 years ago, was adjudged the winner of the Award for Recognition from the Host Country. Referring to the hospitality and the discipline in Thailand, Akshay said, ''If Thailand's culture and regime was emulated in the entire world, the Bin Ladens would be selling coconut water on the streets.'' The four and a half hour show saw four new films, to be released in July, showcased with the starcasts. The films included 'Mission Istanbul', 'Love Story 2050', 'De Tali' and 'Acid Factory'.

Besides the Best Actor Award for Shahrukh, 'Chak De India' also won the Best Director Award for Shimit Amin, Best Story Award for Jaideep Sahni, and also the Best Awards for Cinematography and Sound Recording.

Music legend A R Rehman won the Best Music Award and Background Music Award for 'Guru'. He was also honoured for his outstanding contribution in music. Two other veterans, Shyam Benegal and Mumtaz, were also honoured for their lifetime achievement in cinema.

Javed Akhtar won the Best Lyricist Award for King Khan-starrer 'Om Shanti Om'. The film also bagged the Best Awards for Makeup, Special Effects and Song Recording.

Another popular film 'Life In A Metro' brought the Best Supporting Role Award for Male and Female to Irfan Khan and Konkana Sen Sharma respectively.

Govinda bagged the Award for Best Comic Role for 'Partner', while Vivek Oberoi won the Award for Best Negative Role in 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', which also won the Award for Best Stunts.

'Guru', apart from winning awards for Rehman for his music, also bagged the Best Playback Singer Award in female caregory for Shreya Ghoshal for the song 'Barso Re'. Shaan won the Best Playback Singer Award in male category for 'Jabse Tere Naina' in 'Saawariya'.

Among other categories, Abhishek Bachchan was honoured as the Style Icon among male actors while among female actors, the award went to Katrina Kaif.

Deepika Padukone was adjudged the best newcomer among female actors for her performance in 'Om Shanti Om' and Ranbir Kapoor was declared the best newcomer among male actors for 'Saawariya'.

The Fresh Face of the Year Award went to Neil Nitin Mukesh.

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