Aishwarya Rai defended by Vivek Oberoi in IIFA ceremony

It’s no surprise that Vivek Oberoi’s ex flame Aishwarya Rai didn’t show up at the IIFA Awards 2010 as her father-in-law himself had sidelined the show owing to protests and turmoil despite him being the brand ambassador.

But when a certain Salman Khan spat sarcasm at Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwaray Rai Bachchan for not supporting the people in times of adversity, Vivek directly defended them even boldly taking their names.

Speaking to the reporters, Vivek went outspoken and said,

“You have to respect the fact that people have work for which they sometimes cannot turn up at events. It happens to each one of us. I know everyone wanted to see the Bachchan family in Colombo. They are being missed by the people of Sri Lanka as well as by everyone of us. Abhishek and Aishwarya have a film up for release and, trust me, there is a lot of work and stress during a release (of Raavan). So, give them a respite. I’m sure they would be missing being here too.”

So, what prompted Vivek to go ahead and take such a strong stance for someone who has always cold shouldered him? People may call it a gimmick or a bold publicity stint (and it may very well be so) but more than that the likelihood points towards the theorem that he’s desperate to regain a warm cordial relationship with the biggies like Ash or Salman.

He has been trying to leave no stone unturned to salvage something out of his sinking career and, while I am typing this article out, he must be hoping that the Bachchan brigade do acknowledge and appreciate his gestures.

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Salman-Aishwarya-Vivek at IIFA Awards

The upcoming International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards 2010 is turning out to be interesting for more reasons than one. If cricket fans are eager to watch the charity cricket match between Indian celebrities and Sri Lankan cricketers, many must be very eager to know the coming together of Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Bachchan) and Vivek Oberoi at the film festival to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 3 to 5 June.

Salman had earlier revealed that he would perform at the event. He will also play the charity cricket match along with Dino Morea, Vinod Kambli, Kiran More and others. Vivek too will attend the film festival to restart his Project Hope to help in the reconstruction of a village in Sri Lanka. Adding more spice, Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of the event, had earlier revealed that his daughter-in-law Aishwarya would attend it.

It is common knowledge that Salman, Ash and Vivek have not talked to each other ever since the love triangle happened a few years ago. Ash is now happily married to Abhishek Bachchan; Salman is going steady with Katrina Kaif and Vivek has revived his career, though not very lucky with his love life, but they have not patched up.

Let's hope they leave the ugly past behind and patch up!

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Big B, SRK, Ash confirmed at IIFA

Much against rumours that Amitabh Bachchan might skip the IIFA Awards at Sri Lanka this year following the resistance from people in Tamil Nadu, Big B has confirmed that he will very much attend the event even if its for one day. Top officials from the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) have confirmed that Amitabh Bachchan, the official brand ambassador of IIFA will attend the event.

Also Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter-in-law will attend IIFA though her film Raavan costarring husband Abhishek Bachchan has backed out from IIFA at the last moment. Though Mani Ratnam maintains that the reason for backing out is because his film is not complete, buzz is that he wanted to avoid the resistance by the Tamil nationalist forces in Tamil Nadu who have opposed the participation of Bollywood celebrities in this event on the grounds that it would amount to legitimizing the Mahinda Rajapaksa government’s bid to absolve itself of waging a war against the Tamils in north Sri Lanka from 2007-2009.

Meanwhile even Shah Rukh Khan has confirmed his presence at IIFA. Some time back there were rumours that SRK is making up for Big B’s absence at the event. But now with Amitabh Bachchan’s confirmation, Shah Rukh Khan is an added bonus. As per the grapevine Shah Rukh Khan is planning to show rushes of his upcoming film Ra.One .

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Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan & Aishwarya Rai will attend IIFA Awards in Sri Lanka: SLTB Official

Actor Amitabh Bachchan will attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards function at Colombo in June, even if just for a day, a top official of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) claims.

“Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai are definitely participating. And as for Amitabh, he will also come, even if only for a day,” the official told Express on the condition of anonymity.

Preparations for the event, to be held from June 3 to 5, are already on full swing.

“About 50 personnel of Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd have already been put on the job here,” the official said.

“The opposition to the event is only in Tamil Nadu.

Other states are okay with it,” he pointed out.

Other officials told the local media that objections raised in Tamil Nadu by politicians like Vaiko had been encountered before and events had taken place regardless of them.

The SLTB, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and other institutions view the IIFA Awards event and its related activities as avenues to promote the nation as a business and tourist destination.

But, Tamil nationalist forces in Tamil Nadu have opposed the participation of Indian mega stars in this high-profile event on the grounds that it would amount to legitimising the Mahinda Rajapaksa government’s bid to absolve itself of waging a war against the Tamils in north Sri Lanka from 2007-2009.

After a group of Tamils protested in front Bachchan’s house in Mumbai, the star had said he would not like to hurt anybody’s feelings and a decision that was acceptable to all would be taken after consultation with the organisers. This had led to speculation that he would not attend the IIFA event, of which he is the brand ambassador.

ExpressBuzz

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When will IIFA awards 2009 be aired on TV

We continue to receive many email’s asking when the IIFA awards 2009, held in Macau (China), be aired on Television.

Well, the Star Network has the official rights for the 10th Idea IIFA Awards. The mega event will be aired on Star Plus on Sunday, July 5th 2009.

What to look forward to at the IIFA Awards?

* Star performances - Bipasha Basu, Anushkha Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Jackky Bhagnani, Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh, Sushmita Sen. Ash and Abhishek too will be performing.

* There is a fun filled antakshari session, as the world gets to watch Hrithik Roshan sing!

* Apart from the main awards, there will also be awards for the Decade.

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In Pics: IIFA Awards 2009 Winners

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Stars Performs at IIFA Awards 2009

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Aishwarya and Shahrukh announced 'Actors of the Decade'

Superstars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan were declared the 'Actors of the Decade' at the IIFA awards here.

Aishwarya won two honorary awards for her work in Indian and international cinema while Khan was honoured for his work in popular Indian cinema, Bollywood.

The 35-year-old actress who also performed at the awards gala received both the trophies while Shahrukh had to miss the ceremony because he is shooting for his upcoming film 'My Name is Khan'.

The 43-year-old actor, who began his career with the small screen, beat Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan to win the title.

Aishwarya won the 'Golden Decade' award for her memorable performances in the past ten years beating off competition from Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

While Aishwarya shot to global recognition with international projects like 'Pink Panther' and 'Provoked', Khan, too has a global following around the world being the 'Badshah of Bollywood'.

The former Miss World won the'Outstanding Achievement by Indian in International Cinema' award which was won last year by musician AR Rahman who won the 'Golden Decade of Music' award for his contribution to Indian films where music is often as important as the script and actors.

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Exclusive: Winners of the IIFA Awards 2009

Best Film
Jodhaa Akbar

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Male
Hrithik Roshan - Jodhaa Akbar

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Female
Priyanka Chopra - Fashion

Best Director
Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar

Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Male
Arjun Rampal - Rock On!!

Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Female
Kangna Ranaut - Fashion

Best Actor in a Negative Role
Akshaye Khanna - Race

Best Story
Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday!

Best Debutant Star - Male
Farhan Akhtar

Best Debutant Star - Female
Asin

Outstanding Achievement by an Indian in International Cinema
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Best Actor in a Comic Role
Abhishek Bachchan - Dostana

Best Music
A R Rahman - Jodhaa Akbar

Best Lyrics
Javed Akhtar - Jashn-E-Bahara (Jodhaa Akbar)

Best Playback Singer - Male
Javed Ali - Jashn-e-Baharaa (Jodhaa Akbar)

Best Playback Singer - Female
Shreya Ghoshal - Teri Ore (Singh is Kinng)

Best Dailogue
Manu Rishi - Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

Best Screenplay
Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday!

Sound Editing
Ghajini

Sound Recording
Ghajini

Best Action
Ghajini

Special Effects
Ghajini

Best Sound Recording
Rock On!!

Best Editing
Jodhaa Akbar

Best Make-up
Jodhaa Akbar

Art Direction
Jodhaa Akbar

Best Costume Award
Jodhaa Akbar

Best Background Score
A R Rahman

Star of the Decade - Male
Shah Rukh Khan

Star of the Decade - Female
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Music Director of the Decade
A R Rahman

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IIFA Awards 2009: Green Carpet

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