Should IIFA dump Big B?

5 reasons why we think the megastar should no longer be the IIFA ambassador

Amitabh Bachchan is the founder-ambassador of IIFA and has always played an important role in the B’wood Oscars. He’s made his presence felt at every IIFA Weekend, from Amsterdam to Dubai. But this year Amitabh chose to give the awards at Colombo a miss. Son and bahu also did not make an appearance, with plenty of ‘professional’ excuses being offered. Here’s why we think Big B should be dumped as IIFA ambassador:

1. Big B chose to go off and shoot a tourism commercial at Gujarat’s Gir forest at exactly the same time

the awards were scheduled. By the

way, the IIFA dates were announced months earlier.

2. During the IIFA weekend, Bachchan blogged about everything on earth except why he did not go to Colombo. But he owes an explanation to his fans, especially Sri Lankan fans.

3. True, the Bachchans add a whole lot of glamour to the event, but this year the awards continued to

shine. Stunning Kareena, Lara and Bipasha ensured we did not miss the Bachchan bahu.

4. With younger stars like Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan taking an active interest in IIFA, may be it’s time to change the ambassador altogether. Choose someone who appeals to the younger B’wood fan…

5. IIFA was often seen as a Bachchan family extravaganza, with all the Bachchans walking the green carpet and at least one winning an award or performing on stage. This year, many others came into the limelight, including Vivek Oberoi!

PS: How about approaching Aamir, B’wood’s most marketing savvy star, to become brand amabassador?

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Big B was missed a lot at IIFA: Jacqueline Fernandez

Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez, who played the host at this year's IIFA said that brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, who skipped the event, was missed immensely by the film fraternity.

"Absolutely, we really missed him this year. We were really hoping to see him because we are all such big fans. But I am sure he had his reasons for not being there which is understandable. I am sure he'll make it to Sri Lanka this year or once again," Jacqueline said.

The 67-year-old megastar had skipped the IIFA weekend held in Colombo amidst protests from the Tamils in India and the southern film industry.

"Despite all the fuss we had a good turnout this year and lot of stars attended like Salman Khan, Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt," said Jacqueline who was in the capital to attend the US Asia Business Forum.

The former Miss Sri Lanka admits she was elated to perform at the event, where she also bagged the best Debutante award for Aladin. "I was very happy to be nominated. They called my name and I was in shock. It was an award I was able to win in my country with my own people cheering for me. My performance was traditional and I was nervous since it was the opening performance and in front of the whole film fraternity. But a lot of people appreciated it," she said.

Jacqueline, who has shared screen space with Riteish Deshmukh in her two films till date and in the item number she did in 'Housefull', however kept mum on her relationship status. "There will always be rumours, it's something you need to know and prepare for even before you enter the industry. Riteish has been a wonderful co-star. He never helped me in

dialogues but he has taught me a bit of Marathi," she said.

The 26-year-old beauty, was also full of praise for actor Salman Khan who joined hands for the 'Habitat for Humanity' project in Lanka to adopt and rebuild a village for refugees. "We were so delighted to have Salman with us to support the cause and really thank him for being there for helping build houses."

Open to all kind of roles, she would love to star opposite any of the three 'Khans' in the future."I would like to work with any Khan, I am not fussy about it. I also want to act with younger actors like Imran, Neil as they are of my age so it would be fun."

“I am learning Hindi and fascinated by it. Five years down the line I do see myself in India because I am enjoying it here and feel at home. Everyone has been fantastic and I don't think about competition as everyone has their own space," she added.

Jacqueline will next been in seen in Milap Zaveri's untitled upcoming project.

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WATCH: Big B should have attended IIFA, says Shatughan Sinha

Shatughan Sinha says Big B should have been a part of IIFA Colombo since he is the brand ambassador of the event.

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Winners of the Micromax IIFA Awards 2010

Best Film

Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3 Idiots

Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male)

Amitabh Bachchan - Paa

Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female)

Kareena Kapoor - 3 Idiots & Vidya Balan - Paa

Best Direction

Rajkumar Hirani - 3 Idiots

Best Performance in a Comic Role

Sanjay Dutt - All The Best

Best Performance in a Negative Role

Boman Irani - 3 Idiots

Best Performance in Supporting Role (Male)

Sharman Joshi - 3 Idiots

Best Performance in Supporting Role (Female)

Divya Dutta - Delhi 6

Best Debut of the year (Male)

Omi Vaidya - Jackie Bhagnani

Best Debut of the year (Female)

Jacqueline Fernandez - Mahie Gill

Best Playback Singer (Female)

Kavita Seth - Ek Tara (Wake Up Sid)

Best Playback Singer (Male)

Shaan - Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh (3 Idiots)

Best Music Direction

Pritam - Love Aaj Kal

Best Lyrics

Swanand Kirkire - 3 Idiots

Best Story

Abhijat Joshi, Raj Kumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3 Idiots

Habitat For Humanity Ambassadorship

Salman Khan

IIFA outstanding contribution to Hindi Cinema (Male)

J. Om Prakash

IIFA outstanding contribution to Hindi Cinema (Female)

Zeenat Aman

Outstanding Achievement by an Indian Internationally

Anil Kapoor

IIFA Green Global Award

Vivek Oberoi

Technical Awards Winners

Best Screenplay

Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra (3 Idiots)

Best Cinematography

C.K. Muraleedharan (3 Idiots)

Best Dialogue

Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi (3 Idiots)

Best Background Score

Sanjay Wandrekar, Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra (3 Idiots)

Best Editing

Rajkumar Hirani (3 Idiots)

Best Sound Recording

Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Nihal Ranjan Samel (3 Idiots)

Best Song Recording

Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Sachi K Sanghvi (3 Idiots)

Best Sound Re-recording

Anup Dev (3 Idiots)

Best Choreography

Bosco Martis, Caesar Gonsalves (Love Aaj Kal)

Best Costume Designing

Anahita Shroff Adajania, Dolly Ahluwalia (Love Aaj Kal)

Best Art Direction

Sabu Cyril (Aladin)

Best Special Effects (Visual)

Charles Darby - Eyecube Labs (Aladin)

Best Action

Shyam Kaushal (Kaminey)

Best Make up Artist

Christien Tinsley, Domini Till (Paa)

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WATCH: Amitabh Bachchan says Ayubowan Sri Lanka (IIFA 2010-PROMOTIONAL AD)

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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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Exclusive: Sri Lanka President greets Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with leading Indian movie star Amitabh Bachchan, Brand Ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) at President's House.

Mr. Bachchan is in Colombo for the official launch if IIFA 2010, the largest annual event of Bollywood cinema which will be held in Colombo in June this year.

At the meeting which lasted 45 minutes, President Rajapaksa and Mr. Bachchan discussed aspects of the Indian and Sri Lankan film industries, with emphasis on developing good cinema of the whole sub-continent, combining the assets and talents of both India and Sri Lanka.

The Bollywood legend told the President that of all the welcomes he had received over the past 10 years with IIFA, the reception he had received in Sri Lanka was by far the very best. He was also very appreciative of the opportunities for film production available in Sri Lanka, in the current situation of peace and stability that prevails in the country.

President Rajapaksa said his government is keen to develop the Sri Lanka film industry and sees many possibilities of partnership with India in this regard. Mr. Bachchan was impressed by the work already done in establishing the Mahinda Rajapaksa National Tele-Cinema Park, at Tissamaharama, a brainchild of the President.

Mr. Bachchan and President Rajapaksa agreed on the need and possibility of building bridges of understanding through the cinema, and the Indian star said he was struck by the integration of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim cultures in the welcome dance forms that he saw, which showed the people's desire to live in peace and harmony. He was also very positive on the prospects of tourism development in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan President and Mr. Bachchan also discussed cricket which both follow keenly, and Mr. Bachchan said he was impressed by the performance of all Sri Lankan players in the current IPL series. President Rajapaksa said that part of this success was the encouragement given to rural youth by the government to participate in cricket and intentional sports.

Also present at the meeting were Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Additional Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Secretary of Tourism Ministry George Michael, Secretary to of Media and Information Ministry W. B. Ganegala, acclaimed movie stars of Sri Lanka Malinie Fonseka and Ravindra Randeniya, former Miss Sri Lanka and Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, and Joseph Sabbas and Ms. Shefani Munshi of Wizcraft Enterprises International of India.

ColomboPage

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NOW PLAYING: Big welcome for Big B

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Now Playing: Amitabh Bachchan announces IIFA Awards in Colombo

Bollywood icon, Amitab Bachchan arrived in Colombo today to announce that the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards will be held in Sri Lanka, from June 3- 5.

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IN PICS: Amitabh and Jacqueline announce the IIFA Awards 2010

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Superstar Amitabh Bachchcan in Sri Lanka

Indian Bollywood star Amitab Bachchan arrived at the Bandaranaike International airport in Katunayaka today morning. The renowned Indian Actor is here to attend the press conference announcing the Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) ceremony to be held in Colombo in July 2010.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board sponsored IIFA event will be held with the patronage of many Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai and Sharukh Khan. Several other events will also be organized in light of the film awards during the IIFA week in Colombo.

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IIFA 2010: Sri Lanka to host IIFA Awards in July

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards will be held this year at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo from July 2 to July 4.

The country’s Minister for Tourism, Achala Jagoda, revealed that several countries had competed to host the event, but Sri Lanka finally got the nod. Mr. Jagoda described it as an international achievement, and added that several events such as an Indian business meeting, would be held on the event’s sidelines.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards are presented annually by the International Indian Film Academy to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood. Instituted in 2000, the ceremony is held in different countries around the world every year.

The first ceremony was held in London at The Millennium Dome. From then on the awards were held at locations around the world signifying the international purpose of Hindi cinema. It has been held in South Africa (twice), Malaysia, Singapore, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, England, Thailand and Macau.

While Sri Lanka will host the event in 2010, the 2011 event is expected to be held in Toronto.

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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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Reasons why this year's IIFA Awards at Macau were a roaring success

It's the mother of all events and this year's IIFA at Macau, China lived up to its reputation of being the best in the business.

Come to think of it, handling so many stars and celebrities [and their elephantine egos] is next to impossible. But I'd salute Andre Timmins, Sabbas Joseph and Viraf Sarkari along with the Wizcraft team for pulling off a spectacular event without a glitch.

Let me begin with what made IIFA 2009 a success. The showcasing of three films [JAIL, DO KNOT DISTURB and SHORTKUT] gave one ample opportunity to learn about these films. The star attendance was excellent, with the names associated with the movies being present on the dais for a tete-a-tete.

The fashion show was equally spectacular, but long drawn. The designers who stole the limelight were Manav Gangwani and Anamika Khanna, with their dazzling creations.

The ZAIA show was a visual treat. For a change, the Bollywood brigade didn't talk about themselves [most of them have this I-me-myself habit], but the aerial acrobats. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is sure to stay in your memory for a long, long time.

But the big night - the awards event - was truly the jewel in the crown. At first, the goings-in seemed predictable. But it gathered momentum gradually.

The antakshari by the stars was a brilliant idea. Shabana Azmi rendered 'Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan', Sonam sang 'Na Na Karte Pyaar Tumhi Se Kar Baithe', Hrithik Roshan crooned 'Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan', Zayed Khan hummed the title track of MAIN HOON NA, Bipasha Basu sang 'Thande Thande Paani Se Nahana Chahiye' and last but not the least, Big B rendered a line of 'Mere Paas Aao Mere Dosto Ek Kissa Suno' and also a couplet from KABHI KABHIE. This antakshari deserved brownie points.

Among star acts, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's act was superb, but the one who stole the show was Abhishek Bachchan, who danced on a medley of hits. He danced like never before and had the crowd screaming for more. 10 on 10, Abhishek.

Boman's take off on Anil Kapoor and Boman and Ritesh's spoof on the Best Films of the Year brought the house down. It had everyone in splits.

As someone who has attended almost all IIFA events, I'd say that this year's event was amongst the best the decade has witnessed. In terms of hospitality, The Venetian was spectacular, while the arrangements and co-ordination were impeccable.

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IIFA 2009: DAY 3 - AWARDS NIGHT GREEN CARPET Part 3

Amitji looks dashing in a bow tie tuxedo.Charming, absoluty charming!

Not Bachchan Parivar, but Govindas and Roshans. It's nice to see a whole family affair theme in the IIFAS. Can't wait to se Arjun Rampal and his family.

Dia looks very angelic and fresh in this peachy creame gown, and Raveena tandon dress need some ironing. She can't carry that kind of dress.


Ok, Anushka Sharma is aneroxic. There we said it! She's just 21, but she's looking like JAYA-JI. And who's this Pooja Bedi??

Here comes the birde, whose heart just got broken-Kangana looks so divine and angelic. Raima Sen just looks ok!!

THANKS: TINSEL-GURUS

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IIFA 2009: Madame Tussauds & Zaia Cirque Du Soleil Show

The wax figure was placed in the centre of the green carpet on the first day of the event.

Celebrities, dignitaries as well as members of the audience grabbed a chance to pose with the statue, which will be here for three days. The IIFA, which began Thursday, will end Saturday.

Amitabh, who is IIFA brand ambassador, and his son Abhishek as well as daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai too posed with the statue as they walked the IIFA green carpet.
Also, it's the IIFA premiere of Zaia by Cirque du Soleil.

# Sushmita Sen looks overly dressed- with tha leopard cum zebra print! Serioulsy i prefered Sushmita's print dress than Aishwarya Rai unnecessary stockings!

Raveen Tandon look like a hooker with that killer high heels, and above the knee length blue dress.Classy in black, with an elegant clutch-Lara dutta plays it safe

Yes, it was the IIFA premiere of Zaia by Cirque du Soleiel, but Sonam wanted to be the clown,and Peter Andre must be thinking WHAT THE HELL HE'S DOING THERE!!

Not forgetting the beautiful next star Genelia and Anushka!! Sweet and Petite

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IIFA 2009: Press Conference - Video

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IIFA 2009: Official Opening

The IIFA event took off at Macau on 11th June at The Venetian with pomp and show. IIFA Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan addressed the global media. Present on the occasion were the key associates of IIFA 2009. Mr. Bachchan planted a lotus plant during the inaugural press meet.

Present at the event were Ramesh Sippy, Shyam Shroff, Sanjay Khan with son Zayed, David Dhawan, Pahlaj Nihalani, Ritesh Deshmukh, Boman Irani, Sophie Chaudhry, Abbas-Mustan, Resul Pookutty and Govinda.Peter andre was present too!!

THANKS: TINSEL-GURUS

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You are amazing, Peter Andre tells Big B

Australian singer Peter Andre, who is in Macau for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, is bowled over by Amitabh Bachchan's baritone and told the megastar that he is "amazing".

"I was unbelievably impressed with some of the speeches people gave. You sir (looking and pointing at Amitabh)... have such an amazing way of speaking and making everyone listen... you have a fantastic voice. Sir, you are just amazing," Andre said at a press conference in Macau on Thursday (June 11, 2009).

The 36-year-old singer, who became a known name post the success of his song "Mysterious Girl", is the only international star to perform at the 10th year celebrations of IIFA. Andre will perform two songs - "Mysterious Girl" and one from his latest albums at the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza on Friday.

Andre is hoping that he will be able to keep "audiences in" with his performance.

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