Filmfare Awards nominations announced

The nominations for Hindi cinema's Oscars -- The Filmfare Awards have been announced.

Competing in the best film category are Asoka, Dil Chahta Hai, Gadar - Ek Prem Katha, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghamand Lagaan.

Aamir Khan (Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai) received two nominations and will be up against Amitabh Bachchan (Aks), Shah Rukh Khan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) and Sunny Deol (Gadar - Ek Prem Katha).

Kareena Kapoor (Asoka) will have to slug it out with sister Karisma Kapoor (Zubeidaa) for the Best Actress trophy. The other nominees in this category are Amisha Patel (Gadar - Ek Prem Katha), Kajol (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) and Tabu (Chandni Bar).

The nominees in the Best Director category are Anil Sharma (Gadar - Ek Prem Katha), Ashutosh Gowariker (Lagaan), Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chahta Hai), Karan Johar (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) and Santosh Sivan (Asoka).

Duryodhan and Rakshas Awards for most vulgar, most violent films

The Maharashtra State Women's Commission has created the Duryodhan and Rakshas Awards to felicitate the films that portray women in vulgar and violent light.

A host of films are under consideration for the nomination list. The awards will be given in four categories: Hindi, Marathi, Television and Advertising. The Duryodhan award will be given for vulgar depiction of women and the Rakshas award for depiction of violence against women.

Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar, chairperson of Maharashtra State Womens' Commission said she feels strongly about women being treated indecently in films.

The award ceremony is slated to be held on March 8 to mark International Womens' day.

Jagmohan signs Karisma, Raveena

Director Jagmohan Mundra's next couple of film also deal with women's issues. Bardast tells the story of a woman who cannot bear children and the director has roped in Karisma Kapoor for the lead.

The other project called Red Light depicts the trafficking of women from Nepal to India with Raveena in the title role.

Awara turns 50

Since its release in 1952, Raj Kapoor's Awara has been creating waves both in India and abroad.

The film completes its golden jubilee this year after a highly successful run in countries like Algeria, Romania and China.

Awara, became a sensation. The title song is still hummed by people and it has become a rare example of a film becoming a national mascot.

Compiled by: Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh