TOIFA 2016: Bajirao Mastani picks up most technical awards

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani" today picked up maximum technical honours including best costume design at the Times of India Film Awards as the curtains were raised on the second edition of the ceremony here. While ace designer Anju Modi won for her elaborate, lavish costumes in the period drama, the Ranveer-Deepika starrer also took home awards for best art direction and cinematography.

"Bajrangi Bhaijaan" won the best story award, which was collected by its lead actress Kareena Kapoor Khan.

True to its theme, Remo D'Souza'a "ABCD 2" bagged the best choreography award.

Shoojit Sircar's slice-of-life father-daughter drama "Piku" picked the award for best screenplay for Juhi Chaturvedi. Irrfan Khan-starrer "Talvar", based on the Noida double murder case, received the best editing honour.

"Tanu Weds Manu Returns" took home the trophy for best dialogue.

The awards ceremony, held last evening, was hosted by Manish Paul and Huma Qureshi, who displayed a comfortable camaraderie and spontaneity.

Shah Rukh Khan lent the much needed star power to the otherwise lacklustre awards night. He presented the best story trophy.

Ranveer, known for his impromptu stage jigs, made a surprise entry on the stage and did a small recreation of Priyanka and Deepika's signature moves from song "Pinga" from "Bajirao Mastani".

Huma and Manish joined in much to the audience's delight.

A small, informal fashion show followed the awards function. Mumbai-based designers Riyaz and Reshma Gangji of Libas showcased their elegant designs as the actors Sooraj Pancholi and Zarine Khan dazzled as showstoppers. Sooraj was seen in an electric blue long narrow Indian bandh gala outfit with a shawl that brought elegance and a regal touch to his entire personality and Zarine was a vision in a beautiful royal blue lehenga with borders in cut work that has French knots that were bronze and gold in colour, and completed the look with a peach dupatta.

Shweta Pandit and Aman Trik gave the show a melodious feel. Shalmali Kholgade and Armaan Mallik also put up an enthralling show on the medley of the most popular Bollywood numbers. Kareena cheered for her sister Karisma Kapoor as the latter walked the ramp for designer Farhaz Manan.

Also present at the ceremony were names like Kartik Aryan, Gautam Gulati, Shweta Pandit, Chunky Pandey among others.

The main awards ceremony will unfold tonight at Dubai International cricket stadium.