John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan won the golden statuette from under the noses of Aamir Khan and Asin, Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar and Katrina and Salman Khan.

Interestingly, the award was handed out by the other halves of the two men — actors Aishwarya and Bipasha Basu, who giggled like schoolgirls over their men being called a ‘couple’, insisting they “don’t mind at all”.

“It’s an unexpected award to get, and it feels a bit strange. But I am glad to be here to receive the award, and I do miss Abhishek, especially his chest hair,” joked Abraham, stroking host Sajid Khan’s shaved chest, inciting hoots of laughter.

Amidst ribald jokes made by Khan and co-host Shreyas Talpade, much of the evening was painted pink. The two hosts vied for Abraham’s attention, Khan dressed in his yellow trunks for a bit, and the hosts even made a few presentations dressed in drag. And yes, it could’ve been cheesy but it actually was a lot of fun.

Perhaps it’s light-hearted banter but nevertheless makes one wonder, is this the tip of the iceberg? Are things really changing in Bollywood? “It is an achievement that a film like Dostana is redefining what couple-hood means,” says Malini Dabbas who works in the non-profit sector on issues of health, gender and sexuality.

Vikram of Gay Bombay, a self-funded organisation, says Dostana is an exception and may not be the rule, but added: “It’s the spirit in which Dostana was done that is inspiring. I do not expect Bollywood to do a Brokeback Mountain but this comedy was not malicious.”

“Bollywood has go to catch up with the prevailing discourses on alternate sexuality, however, they’ve made a good start with Fire, and now Dostana,” says gay activist Lesley Esteves, who also believes the film managed to poke fun at stereotypes of gay men so without offending many gay people. “I’m thrilled that Abhishek and John won the best couple, and the style with which the award was bestowed on them was even more exciting. I would love to see two women bag the award someday soon.”