by NR INDRAN / INT

The biggest film and television award function in Bollywood, ChevroletApsara Awards 2012 will take place on Wednesday, January 25that the Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai. The Awards are brought to you by the Film & Television Producers Guild of India and Wizcraft International Entertainment. As we look forward to the big celebration, we get one step closer to finding out who willbe honored with the prestigious Apsara chosen by members of The Film &Television Producer Guild of India. The nominees for the best talents in HindiFilm & Television for the year 2012 were announced today.

Nominees and winners are meticulously chosen by the members of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India, making it the official Award for the Film and Television industry. This year the Guild will also flag-off the ‘100years of Indian Cinema’ celebrations showcasing a special tribute dedicated to the legends of Indian cinema and their glorious years in Bollywood. A melody of hit songs will showcase from the yesteryears and the stars that emulated the iconic onscreen characters.

IndianCinema had an exciting year in 2011; a wide range of multi-genre films like NoOne Killed Jessica, Rockstar, Singham, The Dirty Picture and Zindagi Na MilegiDobara are up for the Best Film Apsara. In the total tally Rockstar has received the maximum number of nominations closely followed by Zindagi NaMilegi Dobara.

PriyankaChopra (7 Khoon Maaf), Katrina Kaif (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan), Rani Mukerji (NoOne Killed Jessica), Mahie Gill (Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster), Kangna Ranaut (TanuWeds Manu), Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture) are competing for Best Actress in aLeading Role. Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role are Salman Khan(Bodyguard), Shah Rukh Khan (Don 2), Emraan Hashmi (Murder 2), Ranbir Kapoor(Rockstar), Ajay Devgn (Singham).

ShreyaGhoshal has been nominated for her sensational tracks Teri Meri (Bodyguard) andSaibo (Shor in the City) while Sunidhi Chauhan has been nominated for her foottapping hits Te Amo (Dum Maaro Dum) and Aa Zara (Murder 2) for Best Singer– Female. In the Best Singer – Male category we have Mohit Chauhanfor Saada Haq and Naadaan Parindey (Rockstar), Akon & Vishal Ravjiani forChammak Challo (Ra. One), Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for Teri Meri (Bodyguard) andMohammed Irfaan for Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2).

Inthe Technical Category, films like Ra,One, No One Killed Jessica, 7 Khoon Maafand Tanu Weds Manu have received the highest number of nominations.

Thepopular TV show ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hai’ has garnered the highestnumber of nominations for the Apsara Awards 2012 including, Best Drama Series,Best Director – Fiction, Best Actress & Actor in Drama Series, BestWriter & Best Ensemble Cast in the Television Category. Other nomineesinclude Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur, Guinness World Records – Ab IndiaTodega, Jhalak Dikhla Ja – Season 4, Just Dance and Kaun Banega Crorepatifor Best Non-fiction Series.

RameshSippy, President – Film & Television Producers Guild of Indiasaid, “There are so many films in contention for the awards this yearand it is fascinating in terms of the diverse kind of movies that were made.The growth has been remarkable. We have witnessed some awe inspiring work; thejury is sure going to have a tough time. Indian television has also seen aplethora of soaps and reality series doing very well which we are excited about.”

WizSabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd said,“We are honored and we take great pride in partnering with the Guildto present The Chevrolet Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards.Like always the Awards will be packed with glamour, great performances,suspense and excitement…it’s going to be a riot.’

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