IIFA awards, 2008, at the amazing city of Bangkok

Bangkok has always been a lure for Indian film fraternity. This year, the IIFA Weekend, was held in the Amazing City of Bangkok. The event will culminate on June 8th with the Idea IIFA Awards and 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 biggies 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.”

This year, the IIFA World Premiere at Siam Pavalai, Paragon Cineplex, Bangkok, showcased the much-hyped ‘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 promoted at the IIFA Weekend were 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. 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.

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.