BEHIND THE SCENES

What happens when creators of brand Gandhigiri meet authors of the country’s new national anthem? They hug, they shout and whistle for each other. Lage Raho Munnabhai and Rang De Basanti, films that awakened an entire generation last year, vie for honour at the 13th Star Screen Awards in Mumbai on January 6. But it’s a battle of a different kind, where both the teams are winners. “Congratulations, you have made a great film,” says a beaming Vidhu Vinod Chopra to Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra backstage. “Hey, you too,” replies a smiling Mehra. There are many more picture-perfect moments to follow. Chopra tries to grab Kirron Kher’s trophy (for Best Supporting Actor, Female) to pose for a group photo, his wife has kept his share in the car.

The lady refuses to part with her well-earned booty, even for a minute. But a teasing Chopra won’t give up. The cheers are the loudest from the Munnabhai enclosure— we spot the lovely ladies Vidya Balan and Dia Mirza along with Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, Chopra and of course, director Rajkumar Hirani. The RDB camp is also in full swing with Mehra, Prasoon Joshi, Kher, Kunal Kapoor, Renzil D’Silva, Samir Chanda (art director), Nakul Kamte (sound designer) and Binod Pradhan (cinematographer). And, is it a mere coincidence that Kher appears at the function in a basanti (yellow) sari? “It didn’t occur to me earlier. But now I’m glad that I’m wearing a basanti sari,” she laughs. Nagesh Kukunoor and his Dor team, Ayesha Takia and Shreyas Talpade, stick to each other. Sooraj Barjatiya and Amrita Rao also watch the show together. The Omkara camp, however, is scattered. Vishal and wife Rekha Bharadwaj are at one end, while Bipasha Basu, after a fever-inducing Beedi jig, hangs out with John Abraham. Meghna Gulzar collects the Best Lyrics Award for Omkara on behalf of her father Gulzar. “What I love most about my father’s lyrics that they are relevant even 40 years later. But at the same time, I happen to be his biggest critic,” says Gulzar junior. Kareena Kapoor, of course, has no time to watch the show. She has to get her steps right for her dance sequence with the legendary Helen. But that doesn’t stop her from watching boyfriend Shahid Kapoor’s derring-do dance on telly projector in the celebrity enclosure backstage. She hollers out to gal pal Konkona Sensharma: “Please watch Shahid. He’s dancing on a glass slope”. How could Konkona not oblige? Bebo also tells us that her sister, the ultra-glamorous Karisma is here to only to watch her perform. “I’m a full-time mom now. Samaira is only two and my entire day is spent running after her,” Karisma explains, looking stunning in a short white dress, letting out the success for her fitness. And before walking towards the audience, Lolo doesn’t forget to wish her sister good luck. You’ll never believe who gives Lolo company in the audience. None other than one-time arch-rival, Kajol. The duo seems to have buried old wounds and forged a cordial relationship. So much so that Kajol applauds loud when Kareena walks up to the stage to collect the Best Actor Award (Female) for Omkara. Rani Mukerji and cousin Kajolend up looking colour pals, both wearing ivory and black saris. The ever-beautiful Rekha and Mukerji chat in Bengali throughout the show. “Baba kemon ache (How is your father)?” Rekha asks Mukerji. When Ayesha Takia collects her award for Critics’ Choice for Best Actor (Female), the excitement is at its peak, all eyes are shifted towards the entrance and the pretty actor is left lonely on the stage. The audience just can’t believe their eyes that Munnabhai is walking in, with his new girlfriend, Maanyata. There’s more excitement as Saif Ali Khan soon follows, looking as fashionable as ever, with girlfriend Rosa. Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol leave before the show ends, while the rest troupe pours in for a late night after-party at a popular Mumbai five-star.

—Suruchi Majumdar