Kuala Lumpur: It’s IIFA time again! Get ready for high dosages of glitz, glamour fused with the business of Bollywood at the upcoming edition of the three-day International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards scheduled to kick-start tomorrow June 5. It promises to be “larger than life” with a emphasis on profitable opportunities between host country Malaysia and India. The IIFA extravaganza celebrates Indian cinema annually, in various parts of the world, is heading to Malaysia for the second time for its 16th edition. Our coverage began in 2013 where we covered the glitz, glamour & splendor in Macau, then again in Tampa Bay & now Malaysia!
Sabbas Joseph, (Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment) stated that this edition of IIFA is a coming of age. It will be larger than life. There is also growing support of film industries from international countries for the IIFA movement and that’s important. We will be promoting Malaysia in a big way. There will be exciting opportunities for tourism. Trade and business opportunities between Malaysia and India are definitely focus for us. Later in the year, the ASEAN Summit will take place (in Malaysia) too; so it is a great building ground for that,” he added.
With delegates expected from various countries namely China, Sri Lanka and Thailand, a “white paper will be launched on day one at the business forum where we will talk about the power of film tourism”. IIFA has seen Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Kevin Spacey and John Travolta gracing the gala in its various editions. But any foreign talent this year has been kept under wraps till the last minute!
IIFA Rocks, an exclusive music extravaganza will be osted by actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra where fans and stars will be treated to a host of melodious performances by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Mika, Ankit Tiwari, and the baby doll Kanika Kapoor, Javed Ali and the pattaka Nooran sisters. Sonakshi Sinha, who will be soon seen as a judge on singing reality show ‘Indian Idol Junior’, will also display her singing skills at IIFA Rocks on June 5th. There will be some exciting first-ever too at the IIFA Weekend and Awards. Sonakshi is going to take the stage as a singer at IIFA Rocks. Another highlight will be the screening of ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’. The complete star cast will be in attendance. They will interact with fans and people from the film industry,” said Joseph, about the Zoya Akhtar directorial, starring Anil Kapoor, Ranveer, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar and Anushka Sharma.
There will also be a dose of fashion at the Fashion Extravaganza on June 6 hosted by actors Vivek Oberoi and Neha Dhupia, it will see quirky designs by Masaba Gupta, who will present a line inspired by the IIFA trophy. “We’ve got Fashion Extravaganza featuring Rocky S, Masaba and Gaurang Shah. There will be different kinds of collections from each of them. Masaba is doing a special collection for IIFA. It is inspired by the trophy… the gold and black. It has the sun graphics also because the IIFA trophy is inspired by the sun.
Bollywood’s finest and freshest talent are set to wow fans and light up the stage at the Stadium Putra on the Awards night (June 7th). Fans will be captivated by heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Parineeti Chopra, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Shahid Kapoor. It will be larger than life! The sizzling duo of actors Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, who were in trouble for the controversial AIB Roast video earlier this year, will add more controversial spice as they host the IIFA Awards. Writer-filmmaker Subhash Ghai, known for making movies like ‘Karz’, ‘Hero’, ‘Karma’, ‘Saudagar’, ‘Khalnayak’, ‘Pardes’ and ‘Taal’, will be conferred the lifetime achievement award.
2 States and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider are leading the nominations with nine and eight nods respectively. Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan may not be in attendance but they will give a tough fight to three other nominees in the best actor category. Queen Kangana Ranaut, who is riding high on the success of Tanu Weds Manu Returns, is going for the best actress trophy along with Mary Kom star Priyanka Chopra and three other heroines. We at the Bollywood will bring you all the action live from Kuala Lampur via our Instagram feed @bollywoodtempest
Catch the Greek God of Dance Hrithik Roshan’s electrifying performance at IIFA 2014 in Tampa Bay!
The Reigning Queen of the Silver screen – Deepika Padukone captivated thousands of fans in Tampa Bay!
