IIFA 2013: 'Barfi' bags best film, Ranbir best actor, Vidya best actress

Macau: 'Barfi' scooped top honours at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, at a ceremony in the Chinese gambling haven of Macau on Saturday that also celebrated a century of Bollywood.

'Barfi', a romantic comedy about a mute and deaf man and his relationship with two women. The movie was praised by critics for its positive portrayal of physically disabled people, a somewhat unusual theme for Bollywood screenplays.

India, the world's biggest film producer, makes more than double the number of Hollywood movies on an annual basis. Already popular in countries with sizable Indian populations, Indian films are also a growing hit with Chinese audiences as well as in Russia and Germany.

Hosted by Bollywood heartthrobs Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor, the four-hour ceremony of pulsating dance routines and colourful costume changes was attended by an audience of over seven thousand screaming fans.

Some of Indian cinema's biggest names including Deepika Padukone set the Macau arena alight with high octane performances, while actors like Boman Irani and modern pin ups such as Vidya Balan graced the green carpet.

"We make musicals. I think every film is a musical. Every film has at least six to seven songs," said Ayushmann Khurrana, nominated for best actor after his debut in 'Vicky Donor', a romantic comedy about sperm donation. "So that is how Bollywood is completely different from Hollywood."

Best actress was won by Vidya Balan for 'Kahani' while, Ranbir Kapoor for 'Barfi' took home the award for best actor. 'Barfi' also won the award for best film.

India's film entertainment sector is booming and estimated to generate revenue of close to $5 billion by 2015.

The choice of Macau to host the annual event comes as the gambling hub is pushing to diversify its customer base beyond the traditional casino punter who spends only on the baccarat tables rather than on entertainment, dining and hospitality.

Indian customers are increasingly targeted by the casino operators due to their tendency to stay longer than the average Chinese punter and their heavy spending on non-gaming pastimes.

Was unsure about casting Priyanka in 'Barfi!' initially: Anurag Basu

Macau: Anurag Basu, whose 'Barfi!' did exceedingly well at the box office, says he was initially confused about his lead actress for the film.

While Ranbir Kapoor played the title role, Priyanka Chopra was seen as autistic Jhilmil Chatterjee and her performance won her many awards. Illeana D'Cruz also featured in the romantic-comedy.

"When I went to cast Priyanka Chopra, I realised that I could not see her as my character. I told her that I was not sure and that we should have a three-day workshop," said Basu.

The director was speaking at an acting workshop - 100 years of Indian Cinema: An actor Prepares" - held on the second day of the ongoing 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards and weekend here. It started Thursday.

He further said: "The first day of the workshop was tough as Priyanka was very formal. I asked her to hold my collar and shout abuses at me, this loosened her up a lot."

"I told her to see the world from my character's eyes and everything will fall into place. She just had to be there in the moment," he added.

How do you usually cast for your films?

"I need to have clarity in my mind. As long as there is clarity, I can choose my cast in one go," he said.

The director, who has directed films like 'Barfi!', 'Life in a ...Metro' and 'Gangster - A Love Story', describes the current lot of actors as easy-going.

"All the actors of our generation are easy-going. But all of them are different. Hrithik Roshan is more reserved, while Ranbir and I became great friends as we have the same likes and dislikes. You have to balance everything as a director," he said.