As Indian film fans wait with bated breath for the announcement of this year’s International Indian Filmfare Academy Awards (IIFA), Shalandra Bunseelall takes a look at some possibilities and more…
With the Stardust and Filmfare awards officially a memory, Bollywood lovers are waiting in anticipation for the announcement of this year’s International Indian Filmfare Academy Awards (IIFA).
As an IIFA loyalist, having completed more than a decade of the celebrations, the big question posed to me daily is: what really makes IIFA so special?
Established in 2000 with the objective of promoting and showcasing Indian cinema on a global platform with its vision “One People, One World”, IIFA strives to break down cultural and geographical barriers through the shared expression of cinema.
From what was a one-night celebration and awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of the Indian film industry at the Millennium Dome in London, IIFA has grown into a three-day weekend of live events including exhibitions, film screenings, premieres, sporting events, dazzling fashion, music and the gala awards ceremony.
Over the years, the awards have serenaded the world with its glittering charm, spreading the magic of Indian cinema to various exotic locales.
Starting with the Millennium Dome, London, IIFA has travelled to Sun City, Malaysia, Joburg, Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai, Yorkshire, Bangkok, Macau, Colombo and Toronto with a grand and lavish American debut in Tampa Bay, Florida, last year which attracted Hollywood legends like John Travolta and Kevin Spacey among the mighty Bollywood brigade.
While the biggest names of Indian cinema grace the weekend annually to enjoy the celebrations, IIFA also attracts almost 600 media from across the world while aggressively promoting tourism to the host country. According to rumours, insiders claim that New York and Abu Dhabi are some of the cities that were being considered for this year’s event.
Andre Timmins, the director of IIFA, said: “Where the IIFA will happen in 2015 is to be confirmed in the next few weeks. But some of the contending destinations are Barcelona, New York, London and Abu Dhabi. It will be another grand celebration of Indian cinema and we are looking forward to the biggest names of Indian cinema.”
One of the highlights of the IIFA magic this year is the search for a new Bollywood superstar. Interestingly, while the world waits with bated breath for the prestigious announcement, there are rumours that nest year’s IIFA could be headed for the picturesque location of Hawaii.
According to reports, US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is spearheading the initiative, was in India recently to start high- level discussions with the IIFA team with the hope of attracting Bollywood film-makers to also explore shooting movies in Hawaii.
Though IIFA has remained tight-lipped about the intentions for next year and the superstar search, there’s an exciting hype as IIFA addicts continue to play the guessing game for this year.
Held at Sun City in 2001 and in Joburg in 2003, with tremendous success, there are still hopes that one day this grand and majestic entertainment spectacle will find its way to the beautiful shores of Durban.
Among the favourite movies tipped to scoop most of the awards this year are PK, Queen and Haider.
• Movie critic and television presenter, Shalandra Bunseelall, is also the executive producer on Africa News Network (ANN7, channel 405 DStv) for the Indian lifestyle show East’nStyle (Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm) and for Sizzle (Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm), that focuses on the magic of the movies.
Shalandra is also the founder of Desi Life (www.desilife.co.za), that focuses on Indian lifestyle and entertainment in South Africa.