NTR Jr, Shiva Rajkumar, Nayatara win big at SIIMA Awards in Abu Dhabi

The sixth edition of the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) started off with a bang at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Friday evening.
Day one of the awards night saw the best of Telugu and Kannada film industry being honoured. In the Telugu section, NTR Jr won the best actor award for Janatha Garage and Rakul Preet Singh, best actress for Nannaku Prematho. In the Kannada section, Shiva Rajkumar was named best actor for Shivalinga and Shraddha Srinath best actress for U-Turn. It was, however, the Kannada campus romantic comedy Kirik Party that swept the maximum awards.
The gala event began with a glowing tribute to the late Telugu filmmaker and actor Dasari Narayana Rao. Actress Shubra Aiyappa opened the show with a five-song performance setting the stage for an array of scintillating performances. Usha Uthup and Devi Sri Prasad had peppy numbers for all and the latter picked up the best music director award for Janatha Garage. Akhil Akkineni, who is trying to break out of the 'Nagarjuna's son' tag, mesmerised one and all with a beautiful composition.
Bollywood singer Armaan Malik was recognized for his Sariyaagi Nenapide from Mungaru Male 2.
Legendary  SP Balasubramanyam said he was grateful for the support he got for 50 years. "This is a platform to thank our fans. It's only when they celebrate that we become celebrities." Later, SP Balasubramanyam presented Murali Mohan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
What SIIMA meant to actors can be gauged by the fact that Shriya Saran was down with fever but it didn't stop her from swirling her way into the night. "I am really proud of the way SIIMA has turned out all these years," she said. Shiva Rajkumar said the event was a coming together for all family members. Actress Pranita Subash said expats crave for South Indian movies more than those back home.  Many actors were in Abu Dhabi for the first time. Regina Cassandra said despite working in the same industry, it was events like these that give all of them time to bond. She wound up proceedings with an eight-minute performance.
Actress Pragya Jaiswal was amazed by the energy level of Abu Dhabi fans. "SIIMA is always special. I won my first award - the debutant - last year," she said. An emotional moment was when Manchu Mohan Babu was honoured. He had a word of advice for young stars with swanky lifestyles. "I paid Rs30 as rent," he said, while commenting on his salary of Rs50 for the six months in his first job.
Niveda Thomas, who bagged Best Debut award for Telugu film Gentleman told everyone to be a dreamer. "If I can then anyone can."
Day one was high on drama, emotions and rollicking comedy, courtesy Ali.
Second Day at SIIMA
The second day produced yet another night to remember on Saturday. The final day of the two-day event honoured matinee stars of both Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Nayanthara bagged the Best Actress awards in both languages. Tamil film Irudhi Suttru knocked out other contenders to bag multiple awards.
The gala opened with glittering start as Malayalam actress Anu Sithara performed a mesmerising dance. Adding spice to the occasion was the presence of stars from Hindi cinema, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. The Jagga Jasoos star was given a lesson in wearing a lungi (traditional Indian sarong-like garment) by actors Madhavan, Sivakarthikeyan and Nivin Pauly.
Female superstar Nayanthara after bagging her kitty of awards said such (award-winning) roles were not easy to come by. "In a movie like Iru Mugan which features a big star like Vikram, a heroine will not have much work or importance. I thank (director) Anand Shankar for believing in me and giving me a chance to prove that a heroine can do more than just songs," Nayanthara said.
After winning the Best Actress in Malayalam for the film Puthiya Niyamam, she thanked her co-star Mammootty.  "This film was heroine-centric. Usually top heroes will not be interested in doing such a film. It was really nice of him (Mammootty) to agree to work in this film."
The other big winners were Sivakarthikeyan for Remo and Mohanlal for Pulimurugan. Sivakarthikeyan said the award was a big moment. "The role was very tough. I thank everyone for accepting the brave attempt."
Actress Meena made her maiden appearance at SIIMA and not without a reason. Her daughter Nainika won Special Jury Award for her role in Theri.
Renji Panicker was picked as the Best Actor in Supporting Role for the movie Jacobinte Swargarajyam. "This award is for one of my favourite characters. I am obliged to those who have offered me potential characters. I am basically a rigid person and don't know how it transforms when I perform," Panicker said.
Rajisha Vijayan won the Best Debutant for Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, and he was 'super happy'. "This was a rare moment to meet people from other fraternities," the Malayalam actress said. Veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by a host of stars. "I look ancient," he said, commenting on the completion of 50 years in the industry.

"I haven't stopped my journey yet. There is still a lot of time. God has given me strength to sing," Balasubrahmanyam said, before rendering some hit songs in South Indian languages to leave the capacity audience in awe. Mano gave a befitting tribute to the legendary singer.
Actor Prakash Raj thanked Balasubrahmanyam for spreading joy and happiness in everyone's life.
"I am the luckiest to have been born when he is around. He has given meaning to my life. Once I had the greatest pleasure to be his only audience for three hours," he said. Raj won the Best Actor in Supporting Role.
Usha Uthup rolled back years with her peppy numbers. Her variety left one and all spellbound. There were many such performances, which added grandeur to the sixth edition of SIIMA.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• South Stars