Filmfare night to be an extravaganza of stars, swag and spectacular acts

MUMBAI: The iconic bracelet dangled as its famous owner lit the lamp. At an event announcing that the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 with Maharashtra Tourism will be held at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on April 27, actor Salman Khan gave a teaser of what the audience can expect from him as the host of the upcoming awards ceremony.

Many cellphones in the audience went up as the man who needs no introduction casually set aside the card bearing his name onstage, paced the floor and fielded questions with his trademark wit and candour. When asked about the most promising next-gen actor, he said: "They are all very talented but the five of us - me, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Akshay and Ajay - are here to stay."

Recalling his first performance at Filmfare Awards in the wake of his film 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', the actor, who had won the Black Lady in 1999 for his supporting role in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', promised a night of all-out entertainment.

After confessing that he was intimidated by Khan as an interview-starved rookie reporter, the editor of Filmfare promised that the event would be a "star-spangled night" with a gamut of performers ranging from actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Janhvi Kapoor to Tiger Shroff and Vicky Kaushal. Maniesh Paul will co-host the ceremony with Khan.

Mangal Prabhat Lodha, minister of tourism, government of Maharashtra, said, "The association with Filmfare Awards significantly benefits Maharashtra's tourism industry by showcasing its scenic attractions, cultural heritage, and diverse experiences to a vast Indian and global audience."

"Mumbai is the hub of Bollywood. It is gratifying for me that Maharashtra Tourism has chosen to support Filmfare," said Deepak Lamba, CEO, Worldwide Media.

Tarun Garg, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor India, said Filmfare offered the automobile company an important platform to connect with young people and "act as an agent of positive change". Marvelling at the six-decade journey of the iconic Black Lady, Garg added: "Good luck to all the nominees. May the best drive the elegant and prestigious Black Lady home."

Lamba announced that the ceremony will be aired on Colors at 9pm on April 28.

Lamba discussed with Khan the evolution of entertainment industry across platforms, how Mumbai is the hub for Hindi film production and how it is critical for OTT industry to self-regulate.

Khan stole the show when he said, "As I have entertained the audiences with my movies over the years, I look forward to entertaining the audiences as the host for this year's Filmfare Awards."