It’s the annual highlight that completes every calendar year in the Indian film industry. You can’t have a successful year in cinema without the glitz and reverence of the Filmfare Awards Night. For decades, South Indian Cinema has marked its date with the oldest and most prestigious awards in the country. And its latest edition promises to be another milestone in the annals of history.

The 61^st Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (South) will be held at the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, (Nehru Indoor Stadium), Chennai on July 12, 2014. It will be an evening where the luminaries of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema come together to celebrate and honour the best in their fields.

TheFilmfare Awards have always strived for a perfect balance of public opinion and critical appreciation. This year too our readers and movie buffs around the world have voted for their favourites across 10 categories in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. The exclusive list of nominees will be chosen after carefully tabulating the data from the vote count. Subsequently, a specially-appointed jury will pick the winners from among the nominees, in each regional category.

Versatile actor and Filmfare Award winner, Dhanush, along with Mr. Tarun Rai, Chief Executive Officer, Worldwide Media and Mr. Rajat Mukarji, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Idea Cellular, lit the lamp at a press conference to announce the date and venue of the awards.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tarun Raisaid, “We are proud of our 60 years association with South Indian Cinema. And in these years the industry here has grown tremendously. From just a handful of films in the initial years we have over 607 films competing to get the, much sought after, Black Lady this year.”

Extending their association with the popular Filmfare Awards for another glorious year, Mr.Rajat Mukarjisaid, “In the 6th year of our association, we will once again honour and recognize talent from diverse southern film industry. Idea is a champion brand in AP and Kerala and a strong challenger brand in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with 25% of our subscribers coming from these markets. The Idea Filmfare Awards South gives us an unique opportunity to connect with our millions of consumers with innovative marketing and engagement programs.”

The first ever Filmfare Awards (South) were held at the prestigious Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai and the venue was then shifted to the distinctive Music Academy. Initially, only Tamil and Telugu films were considered for the awards, but Malayalam and Kannada films became part of the event in 1966 and 1969 respectively. The film fraternity and all its fans consider Filmfare Awards (South) as the ultimate form of recognition in cinema excellence. The thought of winning a Black Lady is still as alluring as ever.