Bollywood blockbuster Jodhaa Akbar turned out to be the big winner at the 10th annual International Indian Film Academy Awards held in Macau, China on June 13.
The historical epic was named best film, director Ashutosh Gowarikar won best director, and Hrithik Roshan picked up the best actor award.
Roshan, who also won the style icon award, starred in the film alongside the luminous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was named female star of the decade. Often referred to as "the most beautiful woman in the world", she has crossed over into Hollywood in recent years, with roles in American films such as The Mistress of Spices and The Pink Panther 2.
Megastar Shahrukh Khan received the male star of the decade award. Rakesh Roshan, father of Hrithik (and director of films, particularly beginning with the letter K, like sci-fi flicks Krrish and Koi”¦Mil Gaya), was named director of the decade.
Jodhaa Akbar also collected a slew of technical awards, including best editing, art direction, costume, and make-up. A.R. Rahman (now best known internationally for his work on Slumdog Millionaire) won in both the music direction and background score categories while Javed Akhtar won best lyrics for "Jashan-e-Baharaa" and best male playback singer from the same film.
Abhishek Bachchan, who is married to Aishwayra Rai, nabbed the best performance in a comedy role for the gay-themed buddy comedy Dostana while Akshaye Khanna's alcoholic character in the thriller Race earned him best performance in a negative role.
The thriller Ghajini (based on Hollywood's Memento) picked up several awards, including best action, special effects, and sound recording. The mono-monikered Asin won the female debutant star award for her role as a murdered fiancée.
Fashion garnered two acting awards: Priyanka Chopra (who also starred in Dostana) for best leading role, and Kangana Ranawat for best supporting role. Meanwhile, Rock On!! also snagged two acting awards: Arjun Rampal for best male performance in a supporting role, and Farhan Akhtar, who scooped up the male debutant star award.
The decision to hold the awards in China follows Bollywood's attempt to build inroads into the Chinese market with the India-U.S. coproduction Chandni Chowk to China.
For a complete list of award winners, visit the IIFA Web site.




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