A historical epic about the romance between a Muslim Mughal king and a Hindu princess and a thriller about a policeman's attempt to thwart a terror plot in Mumbai will compete for honors at the International Indian Film Academy's annual awards. Director Ashutosh Gowariker's epic romance “Jodhaa Akbar” with its lavish sets and costumes was nominated in all 13 categories of the 10th IIFA Awards, including best picture and best director. “Ghajini,” the story of a telecom mogul suffering from amnesia who tries to avenge the death of his girlfriend, and “A Wednesday,” about the Mumbai police commissioner's handling of a blackmailing call seeking the release of militants, are also top contenders in Saturday's awards. The three films will vie for best picture honors against the Miami-set romance “Dostana,” the South Africa-set crime thriller “Race,” and “Rock On!!” about the reunion of an Indian rock band. “Jodhaa Akbar” star, heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, is up for best actor honors, facing off against Aamir Khan, the telecom businessman in “Ghajini,” Naseeruddin Shah, the blackmailer in “A Wednesday,” Abhishek Bachchan from “Dostana” and Shah Rukh Khan from the romantic comedy “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,” or “Match Made in Heaven.” Bachchan's wife, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai is a best actress nominee for her role as the Hindu princess in “Jodhaa Akbar.” Her competition includes Asin from “Ghajini,” Katrina Kaif from the comedy “Singh is Kinng,” Bipasha Basu from “Race” and another former beauty queen, Priyanka Chopra, who plays a model attempting a comeback in “Fashion.” Oscar-winning “Slumdog Millionaire” composer A.R. Rahman was nominated twice in the best music direction category for his work on both “Jodhaa Akbar” and “Ghajini.” Bachchan, the son of veteran Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan, is also up for best performance in his comic role for “Dostana.” Highlighting the importance of song in Indian film, the IIFA awards also features prizes for so-called “playback singers”. The nominations were determined by a poll of members of the Indian film industry, with the nominees put to an Internet vote to decide the winners.
