What to expect at the IIFA this year

The International Indian Film Academy is a first-of-its-kind effort to promote Indian cinema globally, thus reaching out to millions of its fans. An annual event, it honours its talents with an awards night show fun-filled with performances from various artists to represent not only their work, but also to promote Bollywood on alien shores.

IIFA AwardsPREVIOUSLY, starting with the Millennium Dome, London, IIFA has traveled through Sun City, Malaysia, Johannesburg, Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Yorkshire. This year the gala event is being held in Macau.

What is the schedule of the event?

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will unfurl in the exotic locale of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel in Macau, China. The 10th edition of IIFA will be held at the picturesque resort during June 11 – 13, 2009.

Which Celebs are NOT attending IIFA?

Here’s the lowdown first, superstars Shahrukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar, have both used the family vacation bahana to not show up at the awards function event. A source close to the Kumar family reveals, Akki had worked out his summer vacation schedule to make time for his son Aarav, and despite the organizers promising both heaven and earth, Akshay will not budge.”

We smell a rat there. Seems, like the previous IIFA events in the past, which have become a Bachchan parivaar extravaganza, none of the major stars want to be over-shadowed by the luminaries.

Take the case of Shahrukh Khan, who has been quoted in the media, being non-committal to his presence at the show.

Who is attending? You must have guessed by now!

Which Celebs have backed out of their IIFA performance?

Bebolicious Kareena Kapoor was supposed to perform Marjani from Billu at the IIFA 2009 ceremony, but she has reportedly dumped the idea. Why you ask?

She obviously wanted to be the event opener and the one to close it with her dhamakedaar performances but since Big B is the brand ambassador and the key performance spots are booked for the khaandaan, she had to re-think her decision.

She decided to jump out of the fray and join beau Saif Ali Khan to watch the T20 event in England. IIFA show organizers have surely been fed a healthy dose of Bebo-ism.

After Bebo, ex beau Shahid Kapur, followed suit. Since his break-up with Priyanka, they too have decided not to perform at the event, where they were supposed to be the hottest item on the menu.

They were due to do a medley number on their Kaminay numbers, which would have been a treat.

"I was looking forward to performing at IIFA and showcasing Kaminay. However, my commitment to my producer has to be honored. I regret being unable to attend this year, " Shahid quoted in a statement.

Producers of the show have been sorely missing on masala this year.

What to look forward to tomorrow?

We will tell you who is performing apart from the Bachchans. Which film will unveil its first look at IIFA?

Find out, as StarBoxOffice brings you that and all the gossip tomorrow.