More awards blinds

I will attend only if...

Actors have only themselves to blame if award functions have lost credibility. Read on to know the demands B-Town dudes and divas made this year

*This star in his fifities was recently out of his exile'. His manager called the people behind the show and offered his client to be a star performer. Because he was available only for a short time and would not be able to attend the award function, they said he could pre-shoot the act. The call started by the actor's price being quoted as ' 4 crore and then it became clear they were ready to bargain. It was awkward for the organisers to explain to him that he was no longer in demand and no one in his senses would pay him '3 crore to dance on a medley of his yesteryear hits!

*This leading actress who didn't have a release last year was spottted at an award function where she performed. When the award show was aired, this diva was shown clapping for a younger actress. She called the organisers and threw a fit. She made her displeasure known for manipulating the footage to show her clapping for a rival actress who went on stage to collect an award. She threatened to sue the organisers, and demanded an apology from the publication house that put up the show.

*A dusky actress made her manager call a magazine editor asking what category her client would win even before the nominations were out. This was making it clear that she not only wanted the nomination, she wanted the award too. The actress felt that her film had created history in the genre and was already rehearsing her thank you speech for accepting her award. A veteran in this annual filmi circus aka film award shows, this editor politely told the manager that the jury would decide if she was worthy enough. To this reply, there was a chuckle and a blunt "yeah sure!" from the manager's end who assured that the star would put up a no-show unless she won something in the popular category.

*Last year this yesteryear villian sent a random text message to an editor in the middle of the night asking who was winning the lifetime achievement award? The editor had to re-read the text that flashed on his screen. He found it hard to believe that this '80s star was shamelessly angling for the much acclaimed trophy! Fortunately, the award didn't go to him and we are told the creepy SMS might just pop up again this year before the awards!

*This legendary diva who is a regular at every award season every year refused to present a trophy to an actress who she publicly admires but clearly personally despises. Madame turned down the offer through her secretary friend and sent a message to the organisers that she will attend the function only if she can present the trophy to a male actor. The organisers succumbed to the pressure and made her present the award to a good looking actor who this ageing diva gushed and praised on stage to the embarrassment of his wife who was in the audience.