Hope Believe Magic

Award Night

SIMAA awards was dazzling with glitter and glamour. All the Dukes and Duchess of Indian Cinema were hogging the limelight. Ananya walked up along with Shantanu and Meenakshi. She looked elegant in a black sleeveless gown with silver streaks. Shantanu's coat matched her dress. Meenakshi wore an off white kanjeevaram silk saree with gold border. She looked simple. Ananya had forced her to wear an emrald set which went very well with the saree. Ananya looked gorgeous in a black long, body hugging gown, with silver streaks. She wore silver dangling earrings and had her wavy hair down. Shaan looked charming in a black suit with silver piping. They were followed by Kavya and Ani, who werre matching in Black and gold outfit. Right behind them were AK and Shivu. Ak looked handsome in a black suit. Her wore a maroon tie which had tiny black dots on them. Shivu looked absolutely sexy in a plain black saree. She wore a sleeveless maroon blouse which had tiny black prints. The blouse wea cut low in the back with a fancy string tying it neatly. She wore black and maroon bracelet and beautiful black and red jhumkas. She wore minimal make up which completed the look with the eyeliner, kajal, nude lipstick and medium size black bindi. She had her hair up in a bun.

They were all greeted and escorted to their seat. They evening began with some great performances and then the categories were starting to get announced. Best editing went to Kavya for two movies that year and Ani for best music director of the year. Then came the best film and as soon as the name was announced, there was a standing ovation. Ananya stood up and hugged both her parents first and then Meenakshi before accepting a kiss from Shantanu before walking up to the stage. Her film, "Iraivana thandha Iraivi" had won the best film along with other categories such as editing, music, cinematography and acting. She was beaming with pride as she walked up to the stage to accept her award from the legend Mani Rathnam himself. She quickly bent down to touch his feet for a quick blessing and accepted the trophy. The mic was handed over to her and the anchor said, "Let's all give Ananya Arvind another big round of applause. We would love to hear a few words from you now, Ananya. How is it that you made such a beautiful love story and that two based on two elderly people? How did you think of such a beautiful romcom between middle aged couple?" Ananya smiled and took a moment, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. What a lovely evening it is! I really don't know where to start. It was my dream to, some day, see Mr. Mani Rathnam in person but to win an award from him is extremely surreal. Thanks to the jury for picking my film, that too for so many categories. I am extremely grateful. I have a few people to thank though so please be patient." She then, nervously, pushed the strand of hair behind her head with her implant now visible. Then she continued, "I was almost not going to be here today. Thanks to my Appa and Amma" she said throwing flying kisses at them,  "for not giving up on pre-mature me and fighting for me even before I was born. Thanks to them for not giving up on their deaf daughter and fighting to get a cochlear implant so that I could hear. I hear differently than you guys but I still can. Thank you for not letting me give up at any point and teaching me that I can do whatever I choose to but not in arrogance but with hardwork, determination and resilience. Thank you for always showing me the right thing to do and treating me like a person rather than their possession. Thank you for acting in my movie, especially Amma, whose talents have still not been completely tapped. Last but not the least, thank you for being the inspiration for my story. Next I would like to thank my fiancé," she threw another kiss at him, "Shantanu who is another reason for me to be standing here. He sacrificed his own scholarship for me. He loves me unconditionally. He is the best cinematographer we have, hands down. Thanks Shaan for making my parents look so adorable on screen too. Next I would like to thank Ani and Kavya's entire team. They worked day and night putting their heart and soul into making this movie special. Every cast and crew associated with this movie deserved a big round of applause. Without them none of this would have been possible. Last but not the least, my darling, Meenakshi aunty. She does not say much but her every call asking, "Anu saaptiya da, ozhunga rest edu da" and always send her delicious Rava Laddoo when I needed it the most. Thank you all so much to all of you here to have waited patiently for me to finish. Enjoy the rest of the evening as well."

Ananya walked back to the cheering sounds of applause. She could see her parents tear up in pride. She hugged them. Soon they left back to the hotel. It had indeed been a special night with all of them holding an award for their own categories, all for one film.

Brinda Subramanian