Bangkok, June 22 (UNI) The biggest celebration of Indian Cinema, International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards returns to amazing Thailand for the 19th edition, exactly after a decade as Bangkok gets a chance to get closer to the stars and experience the potpourri of the Indian movie culture.
Hindi Cinema’s finest talents, global dignitaries, world media, and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe will descend on this vibrant metropolis as the spectacular extravaganza gets underway at the Siam Niramit, the crowning jewel in Thailand’s heritage, art and culture.
From London to Malaysia, Johannesburg, Tampa Bay, Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai, Yorkshire, Thailand, Macau, Colombo, Spain, Toronto and New York, IIFA has been on an engaging journey leaving its footprint across the globe as it continues to create and promote a distinct identity for the Indian film industry internationally.
With this year’s edition, Bangkok joins a select few cities to have the honour of hosting the coveted IIFAs more than once.
The celebrations continue as the dynamic duo of Kartik Aaryan and Ayushmann Khurrana team up as hosts for the first-time ever at the magnificent IIFA Rocks 2018.
This year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable amalgamation of music, fashion and entertainment befitting the largest film industry in the world.
The extravaganza will see acclaimed Bollywood music director-singer Pritam perform a never-before-seen medley with talented singers including Sreerama Chandra, Amit Mishra, Shalmali Kholgade, Antara Mitra, Nakash Aziz and Nikitha.
Bollywood’s 'Sonu ke Titu ki Sweety' Nushrat Bharucha is all set to mesmerise the audience with her energetic performance at IIFA Rocks. Pulling off another coup, the evening will witness a rare performance from one of television’s biggest stars, Mouni Roy (of ‘Naagin’ fame) as she returns to the IIFA stage after two years.
Adding another interesting facet, India’s leading destination for fashion online, Myntra in collaboration with renowned Indian fashion designer Vikram Phadnis is all set to add glitz and glamour at IIFA Rocks.
IIFA Rocks 2018 will also witness the felicitation of the winners in the technical categories. Celebrated designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil would be showcasing their collection extraordinaire inspired by the NEXA brand values, design and colours.
The grand finale, the star-studded IIFA Awards will see the celebration of Indian cinema as the winners in the Popular Category are presented with the mesmeric golden IIFA statuette.
The charismatic duo Karan Johar and Riteish Deshmukh will be seen hosting the awards night. Bangkok will witness some power-packed performances by Bollywood superstars Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, Kartik Aaryan and Lulia Vantur. With excitement growing across the world, the legendary actor Rekha is sure to leave audiences spellbound with her ethereal performance at the grandiose event.
Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Co-founder & Director, Wizcraft International said, “The IIFAs travel the world bringing people and cultures closer together. We are delighted to be returning to Bangkok after a decade to once again create a mega Indian celebration. With the star-studded line-up that we have this year, Indian movie fans are in for a treat like never before as Rekhaji’s performance brings forth a sense of nostalgia and elegance to an event brimming with youthfulness.”
Ranbir Kapoor commented, “IIFA Bangkok holds a very special place in my heart, I won the best debutante award at IIFA 2008 in Bangkok. The 19th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards is going to be a great one and I am eager to connect with my fans and look forward to giving a power-packed performance.”
Karan Johar said, “I was privileged to be at the Millennium Dome in London when the IIFAs were born and I’ve participated in the journey across the world. My father and I have been part of the IIFA Advisory Board and share the passion to take Indian cinema across the world. The impact of the IIFAs can be felt in the growth of distribution and film incentives in key markets around the globe. I wish the IIFAs well and more power to the organizing team of Wizcraft.”
Varun Dhawan said, “IIFA has always held a special place in my heart but that bond became even stronger after Wizcraft and IIFA offered me a chance to pay tribute to my father’s legacy through a special performance last year. I am very excited to put on an amazing show for everyone in Bangkok.”
Speaking on the association, Gunjan Soni, Head, Jabong and CMO-Myntra, said, “Myntra brings the best of global brands and fashion and IIFA brings best of Bollywood. We have received overwhelming response from SEC A TV viewer population with strong affinity to online fashion shopping in the last 1 year. Myntra-IIFA association brings a strong confluence of Fashion and Bollywood to Myntra platform making global fashion accessible to our consumers. The experience of shopping the exclusive IIFA line designed by Vikram Phadnis, on Myntra while the show is on will allow the Myntra consumers to engage with fashion like never before.”
Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFAs said, “The 19th edition is all set to recreate the magic of IIFA in Thailand. This time around, Bangkok is going to witness a global phenomenon as IIFA not only brings together the entire Indian film fraternity to celebrate Indian cinema but also continues its endeavour to embrace and preserve the art of cinema as we travel the world. We are excited to celebrate and present an Amazing IIFA Weekend in Amazing Thailand.”
Announcing the continuing partnership with COLORS, Raj Nayak – Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 said, “We are honored to be associating with IIFA for the fourth time in a row. IIFA has been taking Indian cinema to the global audience year on year for the last 19 years and it has been a pleasure partnering with this iconic event that celebrates India’s cinematic journey. This edition will once again see the best of film and entertainment come together on a global stage.”
He further added, “The highlight of this edition will be the magnificent performance of the timeless beauty, Rekha taking on the IIFA stage after almost two decades, and viewers all over will be able to see her weave magic only on COLORS. As Indian cinema continues to set new benchmarks, IIFA and COLORS will go on to celebrate the power of a story well told and bring to the television viewers world-class content that will brighten their lives.”
IIFA has always partnered with institutions which promote the interests of the film industry. This year, as part of its commitment to preserving cinema heritage, the IIFA Foundation, has collaborated with OSIANs auction house, India’s foremost Arts and cultural Institution & Auction House to showcase vintage cinema memorabilia via a grand inauguration, exhibition and auction to be held at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis hotel from June 21st to June 23rd respectively.
Furthermore, in its continuing effort to campaign about environment protection, the IIFAs and the United Nations Environment have come together to campaign about “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment Day 2018.
With India as the host of World Environment Day (WED) IIFA-UN would combine the voice of celebrity with the power of the IIFA platform and reach to create awareness about one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. The UN continues its partnership with IIFA this year with a collaborative advocacy campaign to tackle the pressing issue of plastic pollution, under the aegis of Greening the IIFA.
Khun Pannin, Founder, Siam Niramit said “Indian Cinema has grown continuously over the years to attain its current status as a top player in the world film industry. IIFA has grown with it, producing ever more exceptional events at amazing venues throughout the world. This year, Siam Niramit is honored and delighted to welcome IIFA back to Bangkok as we play host for the second time in 10 years. We are very excited to collaborate with IIFA to bring this extraordinary world event to our country.”
IIFA continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring positive results and impact.
This year is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant and amazing IIFA weekends to date.
UNI PY SNU 1831