Preet Bharara, the high-profile Indian-American federal prosecutor, who defied US President Donald Trump administration's request to resign, said he has been dismissed.

"Today (Saturday), I was fired from my position as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York," Bharara said in a statement released through the Justice Department.

From a jurisdiction covering Manhattan, Bharara was often in the limelight as he went after politicians and high-flying financiers.

He and 45 other federal prosecutors or US district attorneys appointed by former President Barack Obama were On Friday asked by Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente to submit their resignations.

Unlike some of his peers, he refused and was fired.

It is customary for political appointees of a President to resign when a new one is elected.

All ambassadors, for example, were asked in January to resign and they complied. Among them was Richard Verma, an Indian-American US ambassador to India.

Bharara's case was unusual because unlike most of the other federal prosecutors he had been asked by Trump in November to stay on in his job. 

He told reporters at that time that he had agreed to Trump's request to continue in his position.

Preetinder Singh Bharara was born in Ferozepore in 1968 and immigrated to the US as a child.

Bharara in 2013 set off a major diplomatic spat with India that backfired on Washington when he singled out an Indian woman diplomat for arrest and the humiliation of a strip search alleging that she had made a false statement in the visa application for her maid.

Other diplomats accused of such offences were not similarly treated by Bharara and the humiliating action against Devyani Khobragade, a Dalit, brought protests in India and retaliatory action by the government against US diplomats.

The then-Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret for the incident and the matter was taken out of Bharara's hands and diplomatically resolved.

Bharara's jurisdiction covered the US financial capital, earning him the nickname of "Sheriff of Wall Street".

He prosecuted more than 100 finance executives for criminal activities like stock trading irregularities using insider information.

They include several Indians like Rajat Gupta, the former head of the consulting company McKinsey, and a Goldman Sachs Director, who served two years in jail for colluding with the Sri Lankan-American hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam in a stock market scam.

His ouster was probably greeted with a silent sigh of temporary relief by several politicians.

Although a Democrat, Bharara has prosecuted several New York politicians of his party and the most notable among them is Sheldon Silver, a former speaker of the state assembly, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption.

While he was being ousted, Bharara was investigating Mayor Bill DeBlasio's election fundraising and close aides of Governor Mario Cuomo.

He also prosecuted former UN General Assembly President John Ashe for alleged corruption before he died.

Among Bharara's high-profile cases against banks, Citibank paid a $158 million fine to settle a case he brought against it for misleading the government about loans.

In another case, Citbank made a $7 billion payment to the government after Bharara began investigating its Mexican unit.

JP Morgan Chase was made to forfeit $7 billion for failing to inform authorities about a massive investment fraud by a client.

 Preet Bharara, the high-profile Indian-American federal prosecutor, who defied US President Donald Trump administration's request to resign, said he has been dismissed.

"Today (Saturday), I was fired from my position as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York," Bharara said in a statement released through the Justice Department.

From a jurisdiction covering Manhattan, Bharara was often in the limelight as he went after politicians and high-flying financiers.

He and 45 other federal prosecutors or US district attorneys appointed by former President Barack Obama were On Friday asked by Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente to submit their resignations.

Unlike some of his peers, he refused and was fired.

It is customary for political appointees of a President to resign when a new one is elected.

All ambassadors, for example, were asked in January to resign and they complied. Among them was Richard Verma, an Indian-American US ambassador to India.

Bharara's case was unusual because unlike most of the other federal prosecutors he had been asked by Trump in November to stay on in his job. 

He told reporters at that time that he had agreed to Trump's request to continue in his position.

Preetinder Singh Bharara was born in Ferozepore in 1968 and immigrated to the US as a child.

Bharara in 2013 set off a major diplomatic spat with India that backfired on Washington when he singled out an Indian woman diplomat for arrest and the humiliation of a strip search alleging that she had made a false statement in the visa application for her maid.

Other diplomats accused of such offences were not similarly treated by Bharara and the humiliating action against Devyani Khobragade, a Dalit, brought protests in India and retaliatory action by the government against US diplomats.

The then-Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret for the incident and the matter was taken out of Bharara's hands and diplomatically resolved.

Bharara's jurisdiction covered the US financial capital, earning him the nickname of "Sheriff of Wall Street".

He prosecuted more than 100 finance executives for criminal activities like stock trading irregularities using insider information.

They include several Indians like Rajat Gupta, the former head of the consulting company McKinsey, and a Goldman Sachs Director, who served two years in jail for colluding with the Sri Lankan-American hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam in a stock market scam.

His ouster was probably greeted with a silent sigh of temporary relief by several politicians.

Although a Democrat, Bharara has prosecuted several New York politicians of his party and the most notable among them is Sheldon Silver, a former speaker of the state assembly, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption.

While he was being ousted, Bharara was investigating Mayor Bill DeBlasio's election fundraising and close aides of Governor Mario Cuomo.

He also prosecuted former UN General Assembly President John Ashe for alleged corruption before he died.

Among Bharara's high-profile cases against banks, Citibank paid a $158 million fine to settle a case he brought against it for misleading the government about loans.

In another case, Citbank made a $7 billion payment to the government after Bharara began investigating its Mexican unit.

JP Morgan Chase was made to forfeit $7 billion for failing to inform authorities about a massive investment fraud by a client.

 Preet Bharara, the high-profile Indian-American federal prosecutor, who defied US President Donald Trump administration's request to resign, said he has been dismissed.

"Today (Saturday), I was fired from my position as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York," Bharara said in a statement released through the Justice Department.

From a jurisdiction covering Manhattan, Bharara was often in the limelight as he went after politicians and high-flying financiers.

He and 45 other federal prosecutors or US district attorneys appointed by former President Barack Obama were On Friday asked by Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente to submit their resignations.

Unlike some of his peers, he refused and was fired.

It is customary for political appointees of a President to resign when a new one is elected.

All ambassadors, for example, were asked in January to resign and they complied. Among them was Richard Verma, an Indian-American US ambassador to India.

Bharara's case was unusual because unlike most of the other federal prosecutors he had been asked by Trump in November to stay on in his job. 

He told reporters at that time that he had agreed to Trump's request to continue in his position.

Preetinder Singh Bharara was born in Ferozepore in 1968 and immigrated to the US as a child.

Bharara in 2013 set off a major diplomatic spat with India that backfired on Washington when he singled out an Indian woman diplomat for arrest and the humiliation of a strip search alleging that she had made a false statement in the visa application for her maid.

Other diplomats accused of such offences were not similarly treated by Bharara and the humiliating action against Devyani Khobragade, a Dalit, brought protests in India and retaliatory action by the government against US diplomats.

The then-Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret for the incident and the matter was taken out of Bharara's hands and diplomatically resolved.

Bharara's jurisdiction covered the US financial capital, earning him the nickname of "Sheriff of Wall Street".

He prosecuted more than 100 finance executives for criminal activities like stock trading irregularities using insider information.

They include several Indians like Rajat Gupta, the former head of the consulting company McKinsey, and a Goldman Sachs Director, who served two years in jail for colluding with the Sri Lankan-American hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam in a stock market scam.

His ouster was probably greeted with a silent sigh of temporary relief by several politicians.

Although a Democrat, Bharara has prosecuted several New York politicians of his party and the most notable among them is Sheldon Silver, a former speaker of the state assembly, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption.

While he was being ousted, Bharara was investigating Mayor Bill DeBlasio's election fundraising and close aides of Governor Mario Cuomo.

He also prosecuted former UN General Assembly President John Ashe for alleged corruption before he died.

Among Bharara's high-profile cases against banks, Citibank paid a $158 million fine to settle a case he brought against it for misleading the government about loans.

In another case, Citbank made a $7 billion payment to the government after Bharara began investigating its Mexican unit.

JP Morgan Chase was made to forfeit $7 billion for failing to inform authorities about a massive investment fraud by a client.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Board will meet in New Delhi on Sunday to decide the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where it won majority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the meeting after his victory rally in the capital. Both Amit Shah and PM Modi addressed party workers in the rally, which started at Le Meredien and ended at the BJP headquaters in New Delhi.

Party president Amit Shah on Sunday said that the chief ministers will be selected based on their merits and capability.

The BJP registered a historic win of almost 80 per cent by scoring 312 seats out of 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh by any political party since Indira Gandhi led the Congress to 309 seats in 1980 while in Uttarakhand, the BJP scored 57 seats in the 70-member Assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Board will meet in New Delhi on Sunday to decide the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where it won majority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the meeting after his victory rally in the capital. Both Amit Shah and PM Modi addressed party workers in the rally, which started at Le Meredien and ended at the BJP headquaters in New Delhi.

Party president Amit Shah on Sunday said that the chief ministers will be selected based on their merits and capability.

The BJP registered a historic win of almost 80 per cent by scoring 312 seats out of 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh by any political party since Indira Gandhi led the Congress to 309 seats in 1980 while in Uttarakhand, the BJP scored 57 seats in the 70-member Assembly.

 As the noose tightens around shell companies evading taxes, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman has asked field officers to file prosecution cases against those entities which claimed bogus long-term capital gains.

In a letter to Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra has called for fast track prosecution proceedings in cases where the Settlement Commission has rejected entry operators who have claimed advantages of long-term capital gains.

"Prosecution proceedings can be successfully initiated in several cases of entry operators, including those concerning bogus LTCG (Long Term Capital Gains) claims, cases rejected by Settlement Commission, etc," Chandra said.

The Prime Minister's Office last month has set up a task force under Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia comprising members from central probe and enforcement agencies to monitor action against deviant shell companies.

According to the tax department, there are about 15 lakh registered companies in India of which only 6 lakh file annual returns. This means a large number of these companies could be indulging in financial irregularities.

While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has filed cases against 49 shell companies, Rs 3,900 crore is believed to have been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post-demonetisation.

The I-T department is taking steps to plug loopholes in the law and deter people from wrongly availing capital gains benefits.

With bogus capital gains of Rs 80,000 crore availed by shell companies last year coming to the notice of the I-T department, the Budget 2017-18 has proposed 10 per cent long-term capital gains tax on those who acquired shares in unlisted companies after October 1, 2004, if they had not paid securities transaction tax (STT) at the time of purchase.

"Since this is the last month of the current fiscal year, the CBDT chairman has stressed on a speedy filling of the prosecution and disposal of the pending compounding application. It is a very good move to expedite the momentum to book the defaulters under the law," Prakash Sachin & Co Partner Prakash Sinha said. .

 As the noose tightens around shell companies evading taxes, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman has asked field officers to file prosecution cases against those entities which claimed bogus long-term capital gains.

In a letter to Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra has called for fast track prosecution proceedings in cases where the Settlement Commission has rejected entry operators who have claimed advantages of long-term capital gains.

"Prosecution proceedings can be successfully initiated in several cases of entry operators, including those concerning bogus LTCG (Long Term Capital Gains) claims, cases rejected by Settlement Commission, etc," Chandra said.

The Prime Minister's Office last month has set up a task force under Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia comprising members from central probe and enforcement agencies to monitor action against deviant shell companies.

According to the tax department, there are about 15 lakh registered companies in India of which only 6 lakh file annual returns. This means a large number of these companies could be indulging in financial irregularities.

While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has filed cases against 49 shell companies, Rs 3,900 crore is believed to have been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post-demonetisation.

The I-T department is taking steps to plug loopholes in the law and deter people from wrongly availing capital gains benefits.

With bogus capital gains of Rs 80,000 crore availed by shell companies last year coming to the notice of the I-T department, the Budget 2017-18 has proposed 10 per cent long-term capital gains tax on those who acquired shares in unlisted companies after October 1, 2004, if they had not paid securities transaction tax (STT) at the time of purchase.

"Since this is the last month of the current fiscal year, the CBDT chairman has stressed on a speedy filling of the prosecution and disposal of the pending compounding application. It is a very good move to expedite the momentum to book the defaulters under the law," Prakash Sachin & Co Partner Prakash Sinha said. .

Delhi University's two hostels for girls have barred the boarders from stepping out on Holi, drawing sharp reactions from students who termed the move as "arbitrary".

DU's International Student House for Women (ISHW) has said the decision was taken "in the best interest of residents".

"Residents and female guests will not be allowed to leave or enter the premises from 9 PM on March 12 till 6 PM on March 13. No late night permission will be granted on March 12 and those desirous of playing Holi should go outside the residential block within the hostel premises," the ISHW notice read.

Similarly, Meghdoot Hostel has issued a notice, informing its boarders that "the main gate will remain closed from 6 AM to 5.30 PM on March 13".

It also barred the inmates from consuming "any narcotic drugs in form of 'thandai'".

It also advised the students not to return to the hostel late in the evening of March 12.

'Pinjra Tod', a group of students who have been fighting against discriminatory rules for girls in university hostels, said, "The rise in sexual violence and harassment that women experience on the streets around Holi is barely addressed and instead once again, women are locked up for their 'own safety' and arbitrary restrictions are imposed on their mobility." 

The group had last week protested outside the office of the Women and Child Development Ministry here, objecting to a statement by its minister Maneka Gandhi advocating hostel curfew for school and college students — both boys and girls — to protect them from their "own hormonal outbursts".

Delhi University's two hostels for girls have barred the boarders from stepping out on Holi, drawing sharp reactions from students who termed the move as "arbitrary".

DU's International Student House for Women (ISHW) has said the decision was taken "in the best interest of residents".

"Residents and female guests will not be allowed to leave or enter the premises from 9 PM on March 12 till 6 PM on March 13. No late night permission will be granted on March 12 and those desirous of playing Holi should go outside the residential block within the hostel premises," the ISHW notice read.

Similarly, Meghdoot Hostel has issued a notice, informing its boarders that "the main gate will remain closed from 6 AM to 5.30 PM on March 13".

It also barred the inmates from consuming "any narcotic drugs in form of 'thandai'".

It also advised the students not to return to the hostel late in the evening of March 12.

'Pinjra Tod', a group of students who have been fighting against discriminatory rules for girls in university hostels, said, "The rise in sexual violence and harassment that women experience on the streets around Holi is barely addressed and instead once again, women are locked up for their 'own safety' and arbitrary restrictions are imposed on their mobility." 

The group had last week protested outside the office of the Women and Child Development Ministry here, objecting to a statement by its minister Maneka Gandhi advocating hostel curfew for school and college students — both boys and girls — to protect them from their "own hormonal outbursts".

Bollywood celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar and Hema Malini, strong supporters of BJP congratulated the party for its sweep in the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly elections. AAP supporter and music composer Vishal Dadlani said the fight for a better India must continue.

Here's what the celebrities had to say: 

Lata Mangeshkar: Namaskar. Aadarniya Narendra Modi-ji , Amit Shah-ji aur BJP ke sabhi karyakartaon ko is shaandaar jeet ki bahut badhaai.

* Hema Malini: Modiji's unquestioned leadership, strong decision making and personal charisma combined with Amit Shahji's planned strategy have contributed to victory. When I went on the campaign trail, thousands came to the meetings — there was a total Modi surge, demand for 'vikaas' everywhere and hope that only BJP can deliver.

* Madhur Bhandarkar: There cannot be a better birthday gift then such a fabulous mandate. Congratulations and Happy Birthday Amarinder Singh. Punjab. Election 2017.

* Shekhar Suman: Modi sweeps India. invincible… Bravo. Victory of Modi is victory of the poor. Victory of the masses. Hail Modi.

* Vishal Dadlani: Congratulations, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. I expected a strong BJP showing in UP, but this is above and beyond even that. No competition.

Neither defeat nor victory change the objective, or the reason for the struggle. We just have to keep working for a better India… Elections come and go. India is forever, India is not any party. India is all of us, together.

* Hansal Mehta: What a win for BJP in Uttar Pradesh! Many did not see writing on the wall. 2019 is sealed… Here's hoping this sweep is good for the country. The victory for BJP is great but it is a pity that a decent opposition is non-existent. Does not bode well.

Regulation not control. Efficiency not corruption. Respect not division. Art not propaganda. Governance not dictatorship. Peace not hatred… Regional parties are getting defunct. People are voting for national parties and more importantly voting for a national leader.

Time to review the parliamentary system and to perhaps move towards presidential system. I think the media's predictions went wrong because they've continued to overestimate the complexity of the electorate. Times have changed.

* Kunal Kohli: Biggest loser in all elections? Exit polls. 650 seats in 4 states were counted faster than 40 seats in Goa. What's The Rush. I love Goa. Goa is chilled.

Bollywood celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar and Hema Malini, strong supporters of BJP congratulated the party for its sweep in the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly elections. AAP supporter and music composer Vishal Dadlani said the fight for a better India must continue.

Here's what the celebrities had to say: 

Lata Mangeshkar: Namaskar. Aadarniya Narendra Modi-ji , Amit Shah-ji aur BJP ke sabhi karyakartaon ko is shaandaar jeet ki bahut badhaai.

* Hema Malini: Modiji's unquestioned leadership, strong decision making and personal charisma combined with Amit Shahji's planned strategy have contributed to victory. When I went on the campaign trail, thousands came to the meetings — there was a total Modi surge, demand for 'vikaas' everywhere and hope that only BJP can deliver.

* Madhur Bhandarkar: There cannot be a better birthday gift then such a fabulous mandate. Congratulations and Happy Birthday Amarinder Singh. Punjab. Election 2017.

* Shekhar Suman: Modi sweeps India. invincible… Bravo. Victory of Modi is victory of the poor. Victory of the masses. Hail Modi.

* Vishal Dadlani: Congratulations, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. I expected a strong BJP showing in UP, but this is above and beyond even that. No competition.

Neither defeat nor victory change the objective, or the reason for the struggle. We just have to keep working for a better India… Elections come and go. India is forever, India is not any party. India is all of us, together.

* Hansal Mehta: What a win for BJP in Uttar Pradesh! Many did not see writing on the wall. 2019 is sealed… Here's hoping this sweep is good for the country. The victory for BJP is great but it is a pity that a decent opposition is non-existent. Does not bode well.

Regulation not control. Efficiency not corruption. Respect not division. Art not propaganda. Governance not dictatorship. Peace not hatred… Regional parties are getting defunct. People are voting for national parties and more importantly voting for a national leader.

Time to review the parliamentary system and to perhaps move towards presidential system. I think the media's predictions went wrong because they've continued to overestimate the complexity of the electorate. Times have changed.

* Kunal Kohli: Biggest loser in all elections? Exit polls. 650 seats in 4 states were counted faster than 40 seats in Goa. What's The Rush. I love Goa. Goa is chilled.

A plea, seeking an order for fixing the exhausts of all vehicles on the top rather than in the bottom claiming that this would lessen pollution, has been rejected by the Supreme Court.

"You tell us what is the basis of your prayer. Is there any scientific research on it which would indicate that if the exhaust will be at the highest level of the vehicle, it will reduce pollution," a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar asked the petitioner.

Petitioner Sabu Steephen, a Kerala resident, claimed that the exhaust in farming vehicles like tractor was fixed at the higher level and it reduced pollution.

The argument did not impress the bench which dismissed the petition saying it was devoid of any scientific research or material.

"It is not possible for us to appreciate the inference drawn by the petitioner. In any case, the inference drawn by the petitioner is not supported by any scientific data. In view of the above, we find no justification to entertain this petition," the bench, which also comprised Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul, said.

A plea, seeking an order for fixing the exhausts of all vehicles on the top rather than in the bottom claiming that this would lessen pollution, has been rejected by the Supreme Court.

"You tell us what is the basis of your prayer. Is there any scientific research on it which would indicate that if the exhaust will be at the highest level of the vehicle, it will reduce pollution," a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar asked the petitioner.

Petitioner Sabu Steephen, a Kerala resident, claimed that the exhaust in farming vehicles like tractor was fixed at the higher level and it reduced pollution.

The argument did not impress the bench which dismissed the petition saying it was devoid of any scientific research or material.

"It is not possible for us to appreciate the inference drawn by the petitioner. In any case, the inference drawn by the petitioner is not supported by any scientific data. In view of the above, we find no justification to entertain this petition," the bench, which also comprised Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul, said.

Alia Bhatt won Best Actress Award for Udta Punjab and Amitabh Bachchan won Best Male Actor award for his performance in Pink while Kareena Kapoor Khan gave first performance post motherhood at the Zee Cine Awards 2017 here in Mumbai.

Other superstars like Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt on Saturday spellbounded the audience with their electrifying performances at the event.

Clad in a traditional saree, Alia Bhatt received the Best Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the film "Udta Punjab" and later shared a picture holding the award on her Instagram account. 

Amitabh Bachchan proved again that he is the megastar of Bollywood as he won Best Male Actor award for the film Pink. 

Ritika Singh, who acted opposite R Madhavan in Saala Khadoos, tweeted after winning the best debut female award and dedicated the award to her parents. 

Anushka Sharma received The Viewer's Choice Best Actor Female award for Sultan while her male counterpart Salman Khan won the award in the male category for the same film. 

The producer of the film Neerja Atul Kasvekar tweeted that director Ram Madhvani won the Best Director Award for the film while Saiwan Quadras won the best screenplay award.

Earlier, the star-studded evening started with celebrities, including Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Sunny Leone, Huma Qureshi, Vidya Balan, Sridevi, Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra, among others walking the red carpet.

Neetu Kapoor who wore a formal attire said, "As my husband Rishi Kapoor received two nominations, I am here to receive the award on his behalf if he wins. Looking forward to it tonight."

Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar told media that he treats every award shows as a different and does not repeat anything. 

"I am quite excited about how Varun and Alia perform tonight because they are my students," he said.

Govinda arrived with his daughter Tina Ahuja who said, "After a long time I will watch my father perform live on the stage. I have come here especially for that."

He performed with actress Raveena Tandon at the award ceremony hosted by Manish Paul.

Actress Vidya Balan attended the event in a white saree and traditional jewellery. She was excited on her forthcoming film Begamjaan.

Kunal Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Urvashi Rautela, Sophie Choudry, Rahul Bose, Javed Akhtar, Tiger Shroff, Gauhar Khan, Pritam, Sonali Bendre and Disha Patani, among others were also present at the award ceremony.

The award ceremony will be aired on Zee Cinema on Saturday, April 1 at 7.30 p.m.

Alia Bhatt won Best Actress Award for Udta Punjab and Amitabh Bachchan won Best Male Actor award for his performance in Pink while Kareena Kapoor Khan gave first performance post motherhood at the Zee Cine Awards 2017 here in Mumbai.

Other superstars like Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt on Saturday spellbounded the audience with their electrifying performances at the event.

Clad in a traditional saree, Alia Bhatt received the Best Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the film "Udta Punjab" and later shared a picture holding the award on her Instagram account. 

Amitabh Bachchan proved again that he is the megastar of Bollywood as he won Best Male Actor award for the film Pink. 

Ritika Singh, who acted opposite R Madhavan in Saala Khadoos, tweeted after winning the best debut female award and dedicated the award to her parents. 

Anushka Sharma received The Viewer's Choice Best Actor Female award for Sultan while her male counterpart Salman Khan won the award in the male category for the same film. 

The producer of the film Neerja Atul Kasvekar tweeted that director Ram Madhvani won the Best Director Award for the film while Saiwan Quadras won the best screenplay award.

Earlier, the star-studded evening started with celebrities, including Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Sunny Leone, Huma Qureshi, Vidya Balan, Sridevi, Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra, among others walking the red carpet.

Neetu Kapoor who wore a formal attire said, "As my husband Rishi Kapoor received two nominations, I am here to receive the award on his behalf if he wins. Looking forward to it tonight."

Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar told media that he treats every award shows as a different and does not repeat anything. 

"I am quite excited about how Varun and Alia perform tonight because they are my students," he said.

Govinda arrived with his daughter Tina Ahuja who said, "After a long time I will watch my father perform live on the stage. I have come here especially for that."

He performed with actress Raveena Tandon at the award ceremony hosted by Manish Paul.

Actress Vidya Balan attended the event in a white saree and traditional jewellery. She was excited on her forthcoming film Begamjaan.

Kunal Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Urvashi Rautela, Sophie Choudry, Rahul Bose, Javed Akhtar, Tiger Shroff, Gauhar Khan, Pritam, Sonali Bendre and Disha Patani, among others were also present at the award ceremony.

The award ceremony will be aired on Zee Cinema on Saturday, April 1 at 7.30 p.m.

Alia Bhatt won Best Actress Award for Udta Punjab and Amitabh Bachchan won Best Male Actor award for his performance in Pink while Kareena Kapoor Khan gave first performance post motherhood at the Zee Cine Awards 2017 here in Mumbai.

Other superstars like Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt on Saturday spellbounded the audience with their electrifying performances at the event.

Clad in a traditional saree, Alia Bhatt received the Best Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the film "Udta Punjab" and later shared a picture holding the award on her Instagram account. 

Amitabh Bachchan proved again that he is the megastar of Bollywood as he won Best Male Actor award for the film Pink. 

Ritika Singh, who acted opposite R Madhavan in Saala Khadoos, tweeted after winning the best debut female award and dedicated the award to her parents. 

Anushka Sharma received The Viewer's Choice Best Actor Female award for Sultan while her male counterpart Salman Khan won the award in the male category for the same film. 

The producer of the film Neerja Atul Kasvekar tweeted that director Ram Madhvani won the Best Director Award for the film while Saiwan Quadras won the best screenplay award.

Earlier, the star-studded evening started with celebrities, including Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Sunny Leone, Huma Qureshi, Vidya Balan, Sridevi, Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra, among others walking the red carpet.

Neetu Kapoor who wore a formal attire said, "As my husband Rishi Kapoor received two nominations, I am here to receive the award on his behalf if he wins. Looking forward to it tonight."

Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar told media that he treats every award shows as a different and does not repeat anything. 

"I am quite excited about how Varun and Alia perform tonight because they are my students," he said.

Govinda arrived with his daughter Tina Ahuja who said, "After a long time I will watch my father perform live on the stage. I have come here especially for that."

He performed with actress Raveena Tandon at the award ceremony hosted by Manish Paul.

Actress Vidya Balan attended the event in a white saree and traditional jewellery. She was excited on her forthcoming film Begamjaan.

Kunal Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Urvashi Rautela, Sophie Choudry, Rahul Bose, Javed Akhtar, Tiger Shroff, Gauhar Khan, Pritam, Sonali Bendre and Disha Patani, among others were also present at the award ceremony.

The award ceremony will be aired on Zee Cinema on Saturday, April 1 at 7.30 p.m.

Home Mminister Rajnath Singh has decided not to play Holi on Monday in view of the killing of 12 CRPF personnel by Maoists in Chhattisgarh.

The Home Minister will not play Holi this time as he was saddened by the death of the 12 CRPF men at Sukma in Chhattisgarh, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

In one of the deadliest attacks on security forces, 12 CRPF personnel were yesterday killed and their arms looted when Naxals ambushed their patrol party in the Maoist hotbed of Sukma in Chhattisgarh.

The incident occurred at 9.15 AM in the dense forests near Kottacheru village under Bhejji police station, around 450 kms away from the state capital, when 112 personnel of CRPF's 219th battalion were out for a road opening task.

Singh had visited Raipur yesterday where he paid respect to the departed souls. The Home Minister has described the attack on CRPF personnel as "cowardly act" and said their sacrifices won't go in vain.

It has been decided that the total ex gratia which will be given to the families of the slain jawans should not be less than Rs 1 crore, the Home minister had said.