Bollylicious 71/2 hours

Counting the red carpeting, Zee Cine Awards (ZCA) 2012 took 71/2 hours - about the duration of 11/2 Indian movies, it would not be remiss to state.

The 13th annual ZCA, the world's biggest viewers' choice awards, was held at the Venetian Macao in Macau, the largest single structure hotel building in Asia.

Is it correct, though, to dub this the "Bollywood Oscars"?

I mused as much to an Indian woman in the hotel lift, and from Level 1 to her suite on the 19th, Miss Bhawana Somaaya elevated my scant knowledge of the world's greatest producer of cinematic entertainment.

"There are several contenders," said the well-known author, radio and television show host and film critic.

"There is IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards), Filmfare, Colors Screen, all annual awards events. We don't copy Hollywood - we make 1,000 movies a year.

"It is Hollywood that is seeking us out - Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise and Richard Gere who are looking for spirituality and taking up yoga, etc. India is extremely hospitable."

For the 2,500 who thronged the Venetian Macao's CotaiArena for the awards show, hospitable does not begin to describe their gregarious willingness.

Who's the big star, besides hosts Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Priyanka Chopra, I wondered aloud. A voice rose from the cast of thousands: "The Khans."

How about Ranbir Kapoor?

"No, not really, I know him. His father is more famous. You want to meet him?"

A speed dial and I was following this person to the Bellini Lounge in the casino, where I found myself introduced to Rishi Kapoor and his wife Neetu, movie royalty and father of said bollylicious Ranbir.

Mr Kapoor said: "Tomorrow, no photos now."

The helpful complete-stranger-now-my-friend whispered: "He's had a bit to drink."

Matters at the long, long red carpet were hotting up as print and broadcast media elbowed for doorstop space.

In B-Town pecking order, singers and dancers first, then sponsors and bigwigs, screen luminaries last.

To accuse the gods of being unfair is fair comment on Priyanka Chopra.

Former Miss World, very beautiful, very versatile, slightly diva-ish, and very, very talented.

As co-host with SRK of the 41/2-hour stage show, set against a wondrous backdrop of lights, colour, action Macau skyline, she just about eclipsed the Baadshah (emperor).

It has to be said SRK was tired out from all-day-into-night rehearsals.

People came and went - invitees and ticket-holders - around the huge hall, brought their trays of food and drink in, littered the place, changed seats with each other while some of us even went back to our suites to refresh.

"Still not finished?"

"Major awards not yet."

Song, dance and comedy, and Ranbir dropped in from the ceiling with his Rockstar item. O.M.G, he is H.O.T.

At final curtain, I dragged Tabla! colleague Sheela Narayanan backstage through the curtains - it must be said with more than a modicum of trepidation on her part - in hope of cornering any screen sensation.

We met award winners Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan, and caught sight of Priyanka Chopra.

Plus, we got to go up on stage to do a Chinese-Bolly dance of our own.

This article was first published in The New Paper.