Rockstar leads award nominations

MUMBAI:

Rockstar has topped the nomination list of the Chevrolet Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards 2012 with 13 nods, with its lead actor Ranbir Kapoor competing with the likes of Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan for the best actor honour. Also competing in the best actor category are Emraan Hashmi for Murder 2 and Ajay Devgn for the blockbuster Singham.

In terms of overall nominations, The Dirty Picture and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara are at par with nine nods each.

Rockstar, which tracks the journey of an aspiring singer, won nominations in best screenplay and best director for Imtiaz Ali, best music for AR Rahman, best singer male Mohit Chauhan for “Sadda Haq” and “Nadaan Parindey” and best singer female for Harshdeep Kaur for “Katiya Karun”.

In the best film category, Rockstar is competing with No One Killed Jessica, Singham, The Dirty Picture and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Imtiaz Ali is vying for the best director trophy along with Rohan Sippy for Dum Maaro Dum, Rajkumar Gupta for No One Killed Jessica, Rohit Shetty for Singham, Milan Luthria for The Dirty Picture and Zoya Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

The bold and sensuous performance of Silk in The Dirty Picture has landed Vidya Balan a nomination for best actor (female), along with Priyanka Chopra for 7 Khoon Maaf, Katrina Kaif for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Rani Mukerji for No One Killed Jessica, Mahie Gill for Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and Kangna Ranaut for Tanu Weds Manu.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has been nominated in two categories — best performance in a negative role and best actor in supporting role. Both nominations are for his work in The Dirty Picture.

The award function, which will also see small screen talent being awarded across seven categories, will be held January 25 at the Yash Raj Studios.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2012.