Screen-Videocon Awards show today

Meanwhile, there’s a lot of excitement among the stars who have been nominated. Matinee idol Sanjay Dutt who has been nominated in the Best Actor category for his performance in Vaastav says he is "excited" at being considered. "I did my best, and hoped that the film would be appreciated," he says, adding that "this nomination is part of the appreciation he has received for the role." Manoj Bajpai, who also received a nod for his performance as the honest hop in Shool, says he won’t be terribly disappointed even if he doesn’t take home the statue. "I’m just thrilled at being nominated along with such talented artistes," he says.

Karisma Kapoor who has been nominated for her starring role in Biwi No 1 says "an award makes you feel special" and claims she is elated at being nominated in the Best Actress category. Tabu, who in past years has been nominated twice, says it feels good to be recognised by an eminent jury. Aishwarya Rai, meanwhile, is visibly excited. "This is my first nomination since I won the Best Newcomer award two years ago," she says, hopeful that lady luck will shine on her again.

Sushmita Sen, who has been nominated for her supporting part in Biwi No 1 is also overjoyed. "To be nominated for a prestigious award so early in one’s career is something to celebrate about," she giggles excitedly. Even Satish Kaushik, who has received two nominations: Best Director (for Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain) and Best Comedian (for Haseena Maan Jayegi) says his joy knows no bounds.

"An award is the ultimate compliment," he says, unsure whether he will be blessed with one this year. Director Milan Luthria, who has been nominated in the Best Technical Debut Director for Kachche Dhaage admits that the competition is tough, but feels "very good to be lauded by a respected jury." And amidst the awards presentation, guests will be treated to several star performances which will include Akshay Kumar dancing to the beats of Dholi taro dhol and Chaiyya chaiyya, while Aishwarya Rai will sway to a medley of Taal songs.

Urmila Matondkar will sizzle with Chamma chamma and Mast. There’s also Falguni Pathak who will croon two of her hit numbers: Choodi jo khanki and Maine payal hai chankayee. As for Raageshwari, there’s the appropriately timed Y2K song. The stage around which almost 9000 guests are likely to gather, features imitations of the seven wonders of the world. The theme for the evening is the six elements that go into the making of a commercial Hindi film.