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June 06, 2008
by Viral Bhayani  The IIFA Weekend, one of the most eagerly awaited global events, kicked off today in the Amazing City of Bangkok. The exhilarating IIFA Weekend, which will culminate on June 8th with the Idea IIFA Awards, has an action-packed schedule endorsed by the Indian film industry's biggest names. IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, in the company of the Thailand Sports and Tourism minister, Khun Weerasak Kowsurat and the Indian Ambassador, Latha Reddy, kicked off the festivities in the presence of Indian cinema glitterati and other dignitaries including Sanjeev Aga Managing Director Idea Cellular, Mehul Choksi, Chairman of Gitanjali Lifestyle and Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd.
Welcoming IIFA to Bangkok, Khun Weerasak Kowsurat, Sports and Tourism Minister said, "Thailand is honoured to be the host of this prestigious event. As we witness the most memorable events & proceedings over the next 3 days, Bangkok is geared up to offer the best hospitality and play perfect host to this magnificent event. IIFA is a movement that provides a global pedestal to encourage international interaction and further business opportunities. We are optimistic that both the countries will create a stronger bond through this relationship."
 The IIFA Weekend kicks off with the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, an international platform where business icons and world leaders meet on a common platform. It is a dynamic global platform providing the industry with an opportunity to deliberate on a diverse range of business, bilateral economic and political issues. The highlight of the event is the IIFA Global Leadership Award presentation addressed by the icon of Indian Cinema, Amitabh Bachchan. IIFA has chosen to honour Nobel Peace Prize laureate and climate change scientist, Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri with the IIFA Global Leadership Award at the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, 2008. The IIFA World Premiere, another major highlight at the IIFA Weekend, will give the world a glimpse into the next big thing in Indian Cinema. This year, the IIFA World Premiere at Siam Pavalai, Paragon Cineplex, Bangkok, will showcase the much-awaited Sarkar Raj, starring Indian film icons Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and directed by one of the most sought after Indian directors, Ram Gopal Varma. The other films being promoted at the IIFA Weekend will be Mission Istaanbul, Acid Factory, Love Story 2050 and De Taali.  IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan said, "IIFA is very special to me and we are committed to enhancing the IIFA phenomenon every year. This year, the Weekend activities range from high-end fashion to the ground-breaking FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum. I am confident that the Idea IIFA Awards will live up to its expectations and that audiences will experience yet another incredible IIFA, this year." The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza scheduled for the 7th June, with leading fashion designers showcasing their creations. The Indian couture line is designed by Rohit Bal, Vikram Phadnis, Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Some of the popular stars of Indian cinema like Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Ayesha Takia and Riteish Deshmukh will walk the ramp as the showstoppers. The make up of the models will be done by MAC and hair by PODE Salon. This magnificent fashion show is choreographed by ace Indian choreographer Lubna Adams with leading Indian film maker, Karan Johar playing host. To add sparkle to the glittering show, DIAMRUSA, a jewellery designer from Thailand and Gitanjali Lifestyle from India, will present their dazzling jewellery collections. The proceeds from the show will go to the IIFA Foundation, which was set up to raise funds and support families that are adversely affected while working for the production of a film.  The Idea IIFA Awards on June 8th will close the IIFA Weekend. The Awards have a stunning performer line-up that include Indian Cinema's biggest names: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Govinda amongst others. The star casts of De Taali, Mission Istaanbul, Love Story 2050 will also put up amazing performances. The star-studded event promises to be a never-seen-before spectacle. The awards night will be hosted by the glamorous Urmila Matondkar, Ritiesh Deshmukh and Boman Irani. IIFA last year at Yorkshire launched the 'Greening the IIFAs' crusade and its commitment towards supporting this global challenge is furthered this year as well. IIFA has tied up with UNEP and TERI and also launched the Green Globe Foundation as its contribution to preserving the environment. Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. Director, Sabbas Joseph said, "We are excited about Bangkok being the destination for IIFA Weekend and are confident that like every year, this year too will be grand and spectacular. We have pulled all stops to create a high voltage Weekend. We stand committed to our objective of building a bond with our host countries that further translates into business opportunities. That would be the legacy that IIFA would truly be proud of."  IIFA continues its association with Idea Cellular Pvt Limited, one of India's leading cellular service providers. Speaking on its association with IIFA, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular said, "Idea has been associated with IIFA for a long time and we have witnessed the IIFA movement grow across the world. This year it is even more special as we are associated with the Idea IIFA World Premiere of Sarkar Raj and have also announced the Idea Yatra for Sarkar Raj that will tour major cities in India. Lucky winners from the yatra will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to share space with the Bachchan family during the premiere. IIFA Bangkok is more special to Idea Cellular, since our parent company, the Aditya Birla Group set up its first international operation in Thailand more than a decade ago. " The IIFA Weekend, 2008 in association with Gitanjali is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The IIFA World Premiere is powered by PVR and the Venue Partner in Bangkok is the Siam Pavalai, Paragon Cineplex. The IDEA IIFA Awards will be held at the Siam Niramit and will be telecast on Star Plus, the Awards Global Broadcast Partner. The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza is presented by Mufti and Audi, in association with Diamrusa, Gitanjali Style Fest and co-sponsored by Alta Moda. The 'Greening the IIFAs' crusade is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, The Energy and Resources Institute and the Green Globe Foundation and is being taken forward in association with Garnier Fructis.
More IIFA News
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Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Indian cinema has evolved and its reach is huge, says Bipasha Basu adding that the people love to see Indian actors perform and cheer for them.
Starting her career with “Ajnabee” in 2001, the 33-year-old has spent over a decade in filmdom and says that the industry has evolved [...]
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Mumbai, May 14, (IANS) Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor says that he agreed to host the 13th edition of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Singapore June 7-9 after a lot of people persuaded him.
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Mumbai, May 14, (IANS) Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor says that after a lot of people convinced him, he agreed to host the 13th edition of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Singapore June 7-9.
“It took a lot of people to convince me that I could do this…I love performing in front [...]
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New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) Shahid Kapoor has been roped in to host the 13th edition of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Singapore June 7-9, the organisers confirmed Tuesday.
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are also likely to host certain segments of the ceremony. Interestingly, both the actors [...]
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New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Dibakar Banerjee’s much-awaited “Shanghai” will be premiered at the 13th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) event starting June 7 in Singapore.
The movie, which stars Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi, Kalki Koechlin and Prosenjit Chatterjee in the lead role, will premiere on the first day at the [...]
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New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) Actors Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani have been entertaining viewers their wit and coming timing as the hosts of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards for the past four years. But this year, Shahid Kapoor might be taking the mantle away from them.
According to a [...]
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New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Zoya Akhtar’s road movie “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” is leading the nomination pack of the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards with 14 nods, while Vidya Balan’s “The Dirty Picture” follows closely behind with 13.
“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” has bagged nominations including best picture, best direction [...]
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Singapore, April 24 (IANS) Eight years after showcasing Bollywood’s wonder in Singapore, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is heading back to the City of Lions for its annual weekend and awards, to be held June 7-9.
Singapore will host the 13th edition of IIFA, which will have fashion shows, a musical extravaganza, [...]
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Chandigarh, April 24 (IANS) Having worked with top-of-the-line film directors in Bollywood, costume designer and actor Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari feels her craft is more valued in the film industry now.
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