Rana Daggubati, Trisha Krishnan, Sonu Sood (Twitter/ Siima2012)
Rana Daggubati, Trisha Krishnan, Sonu Sood during last year's SIIMA Awards. Photo Credit: Twitter/ Siima2012Twitter/ Siima2012

While Bollywood movies have been enjoying audience support from all around the world, South Indian films are yet to get their due. For the first time, in an attempt to take South films to a larger audience, the two-day South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) event was organised in Dubai.

On the first day of the grand event, on 21st June at Park Hyatt, Dubai, at least 25 stars walked the ramp along with international models. Actors Shriya Saran and Rana Dagubbati were among many who walked the ramp for famous fashion designers.

Popular and talented youth generation stars were given the Gen Next awards for the first time, touted to be one of the biggest awards ceremonies in the history of South Indian cinema.

Kushboo, Puneet Rajkumar, Amala Paul
Kushboo, Puneet Rajkumar, Amala Paul Photo Credit: Twitter/ Siima2012

The second day (June 22) saw sizzling performances by leading stars from the film industry. The event was a star-studded affair with several popular figures including Dhanush, Simbu, Sarathkumar, Prakash Raj, Madhavan, Shruti Hassan, Trisha Krishnan, Hansika, Sameera Reddy, Priya Mani, Richa Gangopadhyay, Sana Khan, Khushboo, Lakshmi Rai, Karthika, Radha, Deeksha Seth, Aindrita Ray, Shivrajkumar, Charmee and Parvathy Omanakuttan all gracing the occasion.

While former Miss World runner-up Parvathy Omanakuttan hosted the awards ceremony, stars including Lakshmi Rai and Shriya Saran were among others who performed on the show.

Singers Andrea, Chinmayi and music director Devi Sri Prasad performed on stage crooning popular songs.

While "Kolaveri Di" fame Dhanush was awarded the "Sensation of South Indian cinema," actress Shruti Hassan won the "Pride of South Indian Cinema" award. Actors Laskhmi Rai and Simbu were awarded the "Stylish Star of South Indian Cinema" trophy in the respective male and female categories. Actress Amala Paula won the "Rising Star of South Indian Cinema award."

Music Director Devi Sri Prasad with Andrea Jeremiah
Music Director Devi Sri Prasad with Andrea JeremiahPhoto Credit: Twitter/ Siima2012

Take a look at the list of winners of Gen Next Awards in Dubai:

1    Sensational Art Director - Sabu Cyril

2    Sensation of South Indian cinema- Dance Choreographer - Imran

3    Sensation of South Indian Cinema - Action Choreographer- Peter Hain

4    Stylish Villian of South Cinema - Sonu Sood

5    Rising Star of South Indian Cinema- Female -Amala Paul

6     Rising star of South Indian cinema- Nani

7    Stylish Star of South Indian Cinema- Lakshmi Rai

8    Stylish Actor of South Indian Cinema- Silambarasan

9     Pride of South Indian Cinema - Shruti Hassan

10   Youth Icon of South Indian Cinema- Male - Rana Daggubati

11   Youth Icon of South Indian Cinema- Female- Trisha

12   Sensation of South Indian Cinema- Dhanush

Showstoppers Shriya Saran and RanaDaggubati in designer Shravans collection
Showstoppers Shriya Saran and RanaDaggubati in designer Shravans collection.Photo Credit: Twitter/ Siima2012
Shruti Hassan
Shruti HassanPhoto Credit: Twitter/ Siima2012Twitter/ Siima2012