The CineMAA Awards 2016 was a scintillating experience as was promised by the organizers. Complete with winners making heart-felt speeches, superstars sharing memorable moments, divas dancing their way into the audiences' hearts, the event was gala time and all. If Chiranjeevi jiving with young actors was an icing on the cake, other big stars sharing the dais have the potential to give the lakhs of viewers a high.

The event was hosted by the irreplaceable Suma along with the comedian-turned-male lead Sunil, who arrived on the stage riding a bicycle, escaping from sword-wielding factionists, Maryada Ramanna-style. The two hosts shared some rib-tickling exchanges. Suma, right from word go, wowed with her spontaneity and sense of humour. The event was begun with a prayer to Lord Ganesha. Suresh Varma and team performed to the famous 'Ekadantaya Vakratundaya'.

Dasari Narayana Rao said, "At a time when the government and we in the industry have forgotten Nandi Awards, I am seeing CineMAA Awards as if they are Nandi Awards. MAA TV hasn't come up all of a sudden overnight; it has grown step by step to become what it is today. I wish that this channel will reach greater heights in future."

Nimmagadda Prasad said, "The management of MAA TV has changed. We thank the management for continuing the Awards which we started. It's been a wonderful journey with MAA."

The biggest takeaway was the Audio-Visual on Megastar Chiranjeevi that preceded his dance. The AV was like a tribute to the star, chronicling his illustrious journey over the years, citing quotable quotes of the likes of K Balachander, and from cover stories featuring Chiru in national magazines in the '90s. Tanikella Bharani, Srikanth, Sai Dharam Tej, Sunil, Navdeep, and some children acted in the AV, talking high of Chiru. When Chiru arrived, he was immediately greeted by, well, Chiru's immortal onscreen characters. One after one, Indrasena Reddy, Mutha Mestri, Raju and Shankardada MBBS appeared to put their demands to Chiru. As they sought, Chiru promised them that his 150th movie is going to have message, mass elements, romance and comedy in the right proportions.

When Chiru's Shankardada alter-ego appeared on the screen and said "In front there is crocodile festival", the thousands of audience there burst into laughter. Chiru's promise that his film will have a strong, conscientious message related to farmers, the fans were happy that their star has chosen the right subject. One too many had a high when Chiru stylishly said, "Mana pulse mass" (My pulse is all about mass), the die-hard fans had their favourite moment. The rehashing of Chiru's most popular lines like "Face turning icchuko" was superb.

When it was time for the most-awaited moment - Chiru breaking into a graceful dance - the icon, along with his long-time fans among fans, jived with gusto. Chiru danced to 'Gang Leader', among others, thereby raising the roof. Get ready to be mesmerized, folks!

After the dance, a proud Charan came running on to the dais and hugged his dad in warm embrace.

The ever-so-humble, candid Chiru said, "I underwent the same amount of tension for all my movies as I had undergone for my first movie. I was tensed likewise before dancing here today. I think this holds true for all dedicated artists. I am very glad that industry elders, lovers of art and fans have given me a grand welcome today. I thank Star India for this opportunity at a time when I am about to do a full-fledged role for the first time after 9 years. This gives me a double kick to me. I thank Tanikella Bharani, Sai Kumar, Devi Sri Prasad, Srikanth, Sai Dharam Tej, Sunil, Navdeep, and the children who made the AV and the performance possible. Whenever I participate at a function at MAA, it feels like taking part in a family function. Such is the commercial as well as personal association with this channel. The combined efforts of Nimmagadda Prasad, Nagarjuna and Allu Aravind have bought MAA channel to these heights. Even after Star India acquired MAA, my fondness to the channel hasn't gone down. I am glad MAA stands at No. 1 among entertainment channels."

Nagarjuna said that the tribute to Chiru was needed. "He has come up to this stage from humble beginnings. He is an inspiration to one and all. I have no words to describe this phenomenon. I wish that his next film will stand out to be the no. 1 film. For any actor, awards are important. With this award for Best Debut (Male), Akhil should do better roles. I will tell him who gave this award away to him. I will tell him he has many lessons to learn from Chiranjeevi."

Amala said, "Akhil couldn't make it to the event today as he is not in Hyderabad. He is missing special moments here."

Rajendra Prasad as President of Movie Artists' Association said, "Of all the 'rasas', action and comedy are the most loved. Chiranjeevi became a megastar by portraying them in the best way. He is my best friend. Our relationship has been unaffected since the days of our training in a film institute. There are no age and language barriers to acting. Chiranjeevi is the power of the mass. He can do another 150 movies if we can get him act in them."

STAR India's manager Madhavan said, "When it was proposed first that Chiranjeevi will be felicitated, he politely declined at first. Because of his dance, this event has become a great show. I wish that his 150th film will be a run-away hit."

NTR, who was given the Best Actor (Popular) Award for his role in Temper, said, "I first thank Puri Jagannadh for doing this film although he could have done a better story. He accepted Vakkantham Vamsi's story when I suggested that it's good." The award was given to him on the hands of Chiru and Nag. "Chiranjeevi garu, Balakrishna garu, Nagarjuna garu, and Venkatesh garu are an inspiration for all the actors of the present generation. NTR garu, ANR garu, and Krishna garu will be inspiring all for ever," he further said.

Allu Arjun, who received the Best Actor (Jury) Award for his role in Rudrama Devi, said, "I thank my director Gunasekhar for believing in me. I thank writer Rajasimha Tadinada for training me in the Telangana accent. When I was doing