The Filmfare Middle East launch was announced at the 63rd Filmfare awards in India by Shahrukh Khan. Two months and a few days later, the magazine saw a grand launch at Bollywood Parks, Dubai. The hosts of the evening were Jay Bhanushali and Ssumeir Pasricha ( also known as Pammy aunty). Ssumeir hosted the red carpet as Pammy.
The show opened with a fine performance by Armaan and Amal Mallik. This was the first time the brothers were performing in Dubai. This was followed by Usha Uthup who pulled Dubai resident and former actress Kalpana Iyer onstage. The two ladies stole the show with songs such as Hari Om Hari and Rambha Ho Ho Ho. There was also a dance tribute to late actress Sridevi who passed away in Dubai recently and a performance by Bappi Lahiri.
We had over 20 stars walk the red carpet and support the launch and seven artistes ( Indian and Pakistani actors) were felicitated at the event.
Deepika Padukone was felicitated for Excellence in Cinema, Karan Johar for being The Most Influential Film Personality, Fawad Khan – Cinematic Icon Pakistan, Mehwish Hayat – Cinematic Icon, Pakistan, Jackie Shroff- Best Actor in the Short film ( Khujli), Javed Sheikh- Legend of Pakistan and Bappi Lahiri was felicitated for Lifetime Achievement in Music. Mehwish Hayat’s speech spoke about more artistic collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artistes despite political differences. Sajjad Delafrooz who played the negative role in Tiger Zinda Hai attended the event and so did Dia Mirza, Sophie Choudhry, Pooja Hegde, Javed and Naved Jaffrey, Raza Murad among others.
