The Hindu : Crowds throng awards nite

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 08, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Crowds throng awards nite

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, MARCH. 7. Hundreds of fans turned up at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to watch their favourite stars perform on stage in connection with the Asianet film awards nite held here today evening.

Crowds started pouring into the stadium much ahead of the programme schedule. People were allowed to occupy the seats two hours before the beginning of the show. Traffic was not affected thanks to the efforts taken by the police in controlling motorists.

Vehicles coming from Vyttila were diverted through Aysha road on the left side of the NH bypass to reach the stadium through Thammanam. Two-wheelers from Aluva and Kakanad side too were asked to take the route. Despite restrictions, the police allowed vehicles coming from Palarivattom side to enter the stadium through the main gate. Several policemen were posted inside and outside the stadium to avoid any untoward incidents.

Stars presented skits, dance numbers and songs during the show that lasted for over five hours. The on-stage events were projected onto a big screen kept on both sides of the stage. The programme evoked mixed response from the audience. Leading actors who spoke on the occasion hoped that the differences existing between various organisations in the Malayalam film industry would be resolved amicably.