JOIN USWhile Ashutosh Gowarikar's historical love story is leading with nominations in all the 13 categories, Farhan Akhtar and Arjun Rampal starrer Rock On is not far behind as it is contending in eight different sections.
Both the films have gathered nods in all the prominent categories including, Best Picture, Direction, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female), Best Music and Best Story.
Two of Bollywood's biggest names, Shahrukh and Aamir Khan are also in the fray to win the coveted award for the best performance in a leading role (male).
While Shahrukh has been nominated for his portrayal of the simpleton Surinder Sahni in 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', Aamir got the nod for his acting in the gory revenge drama 'Ghajini'. However none of the two actors will be present at the awards function.
Other nominees in the category are Naseeruddin Shah for 'A Wednesday', Abhishek Bachchan for 'Dostana', and Hrithik Roshan for 'Jodhaa Akbar'.
Interestingly, Abhishek Bachchan has three nominations this year. Best Actor and Best Comic Actor for 'Dostana', along with Best Actor in a Supporting Role for 'Sarkaar Raj'.
In the Best Director category, seasoned filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar and Ashutosh Gowariker who have been nominated for 'Fashion' and 'Jodha Akbar' respectively are being given a tough competition by debutante directors like A R Murugadoss (Ghajini), Abhishek Kapoor (Rock on) and Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday).
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Jodha Akbar) and Priyanka Chopra (Fashion) will face Shahana Goswami (Rock On), Bipasha Basu (Race) and Katrina Kaif (Singh is King)to win the top honours in the Best actress section.
The award ceremony, though a pale affair with the three Khans, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor giving it a miss, boasts of performances by Aishwarya, Sonam Kapoor and Govinda.