(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The recently concluded Asiavision Awards 2014 celebrated the talent of Dubai expats who either had or still have strong links with the UAE.
Joy Mathew wonOutstanding Performer of the Year Award.
Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and other stars from the South Indian film industry including Mammootty Manju Warrier Dhanush Shruti Hassan Dulquer Salman and Nivin Pauly might have been the big draw for the crowd that gathered at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium last Friday for the Asiavision Awards 2014 winners of which were chosen through public voting by expatriates.
But the night also belonged to a lot of local talent who either had or still have strong links with the UAE.
Former expatriate Joy Mathew who has become an integral part of the Malayalam hit movie club following his re-entry to the industry after 25 years was one of them.
“Organisers of some shows ask for a written application seeking their award. I ask such people to take a walk… But this award which is selected by the people here is something which I personally wished for” said the 53 year-old director-actor who bagged the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.
RJ Mithun Ramesh clinched thePublic Choice Award.
Actor Mithun Ramesh who is more popular in the UAE as an RJ (Hit 96.7 FM) said the Public Choice Award that he won was a reflection of the generosity of the people here.
“I’m sure the rest of the nominees in this category were more deserving than me. But I know what you have shown is your love and benevolence towards me” said Mithun who won the award for his role as a villain in Avatharam for which he had to put on some kilos.
Mithun who also hosted the show with Ranjini Haridas and won the appreciation of Javed Jaffrey who was present at the show dedicated his prize money towards his channel’s new CSR initiative to make toilets in the tribal areas of Kerala.
Dubai’s recent gift to Malayalam film industry Asha Sarath who bagged the award for Best Actress in Supporting Role dedicated her award to the audience. Asha who runs a popular dance school in Dubai also showcased a stunning dance performance with her students.
Director-script writer Anjali Menon a former Dubai resident picked up the award for the Best Entertaining Movie for her smash hit Bangalore Days.
She recollected how the Asiavision Awards 2012 was the venue for her to discuss the movie for the first time with Anwar Rasheed who ended up producing it.