Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period love saga “Bajirao Mastani” continued its winning streak by taking home maximum trophies at the Times of India Film Awards – 2016 including the best director prize for the filmmaker and best actor honour for Ranveer Singh.An awards season favourite this year, “Bajirao Mastani” also earned Priyanka Chopra the best supporting actress award, best playback singer trophy (female) for Shreya Ghoshal and composer of the year award for Bhansali.The movie, however, lost the best film award to Kabir Khan’s 2015 blockbuster “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, which was widely appreciated for its emotional story of a Pakistani deaf and mute girl who is rescued by a Hanuman devotee, played by super star Salman Khan.
For her endearing turn as bucked-teeth Dattoo in “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”, Kangana Ranaut won the best actress award.Megastar Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor critics’ choice award for his portrayal of a cranky father in “Piku”.Kalki Koechlin picked the best actress critics’ choice award for “Margarita, With A Straw”.The best supporting actor (male) award went to Anil Kapoor for his performance in “Dil Dhadakne Do”.Sooraj Pancholi bagged the best debutant (male) trophy for last year’s forgettable movie “Hero”, while Bhumi Pedneker took home the best debutant (female) award for her acclaimed performance in “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”.The award ceremony, held last night at the Dubai International Stadium, was hosted by Riteish Deshmukh, Parineeti Chopra and Manish Paul.Bachchan was also honoured with the living legend award, which was presented to him by Anil Kapoor at the second edition of TOIFA.
