THE SHOW GOES ON...

NOT EVEN THE THREAT OF THE PANDEMIC STOPPED THE DENIZENS OF THE INDUSTRY FROM COMING TOGETHER AS ONE TO CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN CINEMA, FINDS DEVESH SHARMA

- DEVESH SHARMA

The 66th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2021 were held on a muggy day in Mumbai. But no one minded the heat and humidity, as well as the mandatory antigen test at the venue –Film City, Mumbai. Because it was all about celebrating hope, celebrating victory, celebrating rebirth. The film industry had come to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic. Films weren’t getting shot, weren’t getting released. But our film industry folks are nothing if not survivors. They soaked in the pressure and waited for the storm to subside. And through shooting in safe destinations and releasing films on OTT, they managed to survive. And that resilient spirit was very much evident during the awards show. Presenting a bird’s eye view of the proceedings…

ROMANCING LIFE

Irrfan Khan was our Lifetime Achievement Award winner this year and also won the Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male) for Angrezi Medium. The awards were given posthumously and were collected by his son Babil on his behalf. Babil came wearing an ensemble which belonged to his father, at the event. He became teary-eyed while collecting the trophies and the audience choked-up as well. It was an emotional moment for all. Babil wants to make a career in showbiz and commented that he wanted his father to teach him acting. But in his absence, he’ll learn it from his father’s colleagues. He vowed to carry forward his father’s glorious legacy and we wish him all the success in the world.

THAPPAD KI GOONJ