AP / Rajesh Nirgude

Ashutosh Gowariker directed ‘Jodha Akbar’ zoomed past most of its contemporaries at the 10th International Indian Film Academy award by grabbing six awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.
‘The Venetian Macao’ in Macau; China’s gambling capital had hosted the event this year in June with Bollywood celebrities gathering at the ceremony to vie for the statue as well as to cheer for their loved ones.

‘Jodha Akbar’ the story of a Muslim Emperor falling in love with Hindu princess won maximum accolades with announcements made for Ashutosh Gowariker as ‘Best Director’, Hrithik Roshan as ‘Best Actor’, and A.R.Rahman as ‘Best Music Director’. Arjun Rampal for his role in ‘Rock On’, the film about the reunion of band members won the award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ while Abhishek Bachchan took to the stage as the ‘Best Actor in a comic role’ for his act in the movie ‘Dostana’. Rajesh Khanna who is best known for his roles in Anand, Amar Prem, Do Raaste was bestowed with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ while Aishwarya Rai was gifted with the ‘Best Actress of the Decade’ for her achievement in International Cinema.

The event which lasted for more than five hours was incorporated with various thrilling acts and circus performances. But the song and dance routines for which Bollywood is best known for topped the entertainment stakes.

Macau is promoting itself as the Las Vegas of the east with gambling opportunities offering a lion’s share in its tourism industry. A former Portuguese colony, Macau came into limelight when investors from Nevada started financially supporting the city.

Bollywood’s interest in Chinese and Far East market for promoting its films has started increasing and Macau has provided ample opportunities for the same through this event.