MUMBAI: The 16th edition of the International Film Academy (IIFA) Awards is all set to startle Bollywood. The Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend will take place at Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 5-7 June 2015.
IIFA will be screening Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do on 6 June. The film is a comedy drama about a family that takes a trip, which changes them forever. It stars Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma and Rahul Bose amongst others.
This year, IIFA will witness an exclusive night dedicated to fashion, which will be hosted by Neha Dhupia. A host of performances by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Mika, Anikt Tiwari and others will be seen at IIFA Rocks, the exclusive music extravaganza. Some of the other stars, who will take centre stage at IIFA Rocks are Jacqueline Fernandes, Aditi Rao Hydari, Lisa Hayden and Lauren Gotlieb.
Wizcraft International Entertainment director Andre Timmins said, “We have some incredible performances all set for the IIFA stage this year including some of the biggest stars of Bollywood in film as well as music. Huge preparations are on to manage the backend, airlines, hotels, different venues and other logistics and we are happy that the Malaysian Government is laying the red carpet to make this a spectacular event.”
Actor Anil Kapoor added, “Through time, IIFA has grown from a mega awards ceremony into an iconic global platform for Indian films and culture while showcasing to the world the best that Indian cinema has to offer. I am looking forward to the film media briefing of Dil Dhadakne Do, which will be a part of the Weekend this year and I am delighted to see IIFA return to Malaysia, this time to the vivacious city of Kuala Lumpur.”
Speaking about the association, Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “Videocon d2h has had an extremely successful innings with IIFA and we are pleased to continue this association with them for the fourth year. The common link of wholesome entertainment brings IIFA and Videocon d2h together. Our recent listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange, bears testimony to our global outlook and tremendous growth. Videocon d2h will continue to bring unique content, new mediums of delivery and innovative services to our consumers.”
This year, Viacom18’s Colors and not Star Plus has the broadcast rights for the event.
Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “IIFA is the world’s biggest global Indian event, where the entire industry comes together to showcase Bollywood and India. We at Colors are proud to be associated with IIFA and we promise our viewers, in true Colors style Bollywood entertainment like never before.”
Malaysia Major Events GM Tony Nagamaiah said, “As excitement heightens, we are proud to host the 16th IIFA Celebrations 2015 and welcome its entire contingent to Malaysia. Being host city, Kuala Lumpur anticipates the weekend’s buzz as it shall be among our biggest showcases for the year in conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFest) 2015. The city's dazzling setting will imprint the Bollywood family and fans with spectacular experiences in a truly diverse environment.”
Malaysia Airlines regional SVP South Asia & Middle East Azahar Hamid asserts, “It is an honour for Malaysia Airlines to be a part of this glamorous event and flying in some of the best Bollywood stars to our home ground, Kuala Lumpur. The airline’s extensive network and world-class service makes it a desirable partnership with IIFA. It is our commitment to provide the best service and we look forward to welcoming the celebrities from the Indian film industry and fans of the IIFA awards on-board Malaysia Airlines.”
