Anything SIIMA-related is always a glitzy affair; the lights in order, the party music in the background, and some A-list celebrities in attendance. SIIMA or South Indian International Movie Awards is currently gearing up for its sixth edition that will take place in Dubai on June 30 and July 1. The press meet that happened last evening was something of a prelude to the event next month. There was also a short film award for all cinema-aspiring filmmakers and actors.
Hosted by Nakshatra Nagesh, who incidentally was also a winner that evening, the press meet-cum-award show had Rana Dagubatti as a show-stopper of sorts.
Also present were Suhasini Maniratnam, veteran actress Ambika, Manjima Mohan, Nikki Galrani, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Peter Hein.
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The Short Film Awards was a quick affair without “senti” speeches or long introductions. What began at 7:15 pm, wrapped up in 30 minutes. The nominees and winners comprised most of the audience members. Their excitement was palpable, and I sat next one of the nominees (and eventually winner) that evening.
Akash, who won the Best Supporting Actor for the short film Angry Birds, couldn’t believe his eyes. An evident mix of awe and shock glued him to his seat. A selfie with his prized win, of course, soon happened.
The other winners:
Rakesh Krishna – Best Music Director for Sollanum Thonachu
Nakshatra Nagesh – Best Actress for En Iniya Pon Nilave
Akila – Best Actor for Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikallam
Dwarakh – Best Director for Tanglish
Mudhal Kanave – Best Short Film
The final segment of the evening was some selfie-taking activity on Vivo phones, joined by the very shy stunt master Peter Hein. “I was shooting for Mahesh Babu’s film, and dressed like a beggar. I’m very sorry I came late, it was like a stunt zooming out of there and zooming in here,” he joked, dressed in a sharp grey suit. He also announced that he will be turning filmmaker soon.
“I am directing a movie and I understand what it means to get honoured for your work. I am hoping I prove myself as a technician,” he said, adding that details would be announced soon.