Bangkok--27 May--Image Impact - Star-studded performers at the IDEA IIFA Awards 2008 announced - Nobel Laureate, Dr. R. K. Pachauri to be honoured with the IIFA Global Leadership Award - Indian & Thailand business leaders to meet at the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum - Top Indian designers to showcase their creations at the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza As we cross out calendar dates drawing closer to the Idea IIFA Awards, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) has announced a stellar list of performers and events, promising to leave audiences spell bound. A stunning performers’ line up that includes Indian Cinema’s biggest names: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Govinda was announced. For the first time ever, the stage will come alive with multi-star performances. The performances are designed to showcase four important films that are to be released shortly. Headliners Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja will showcase Harry Baweja’s Love Story 2050; the lively De Taali team of Aftab Shivdasani, Riteish Deshmukh and Ayesha Takia are guaranteed to entertain. The Mission Istanbul cast of Zayed Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Shriya Saran along with the other members of the cast promise to set the stage on fire. Acid Factory, a film that has just begun production will share its first look on stage with a performance by Dia Mirza, Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea and Aftab Shivdasani. With all eyes on Bangkok, Thailand, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) prepares for the biggest Weekend with Indian Cinema’s finest. The IIFA Weekend in Bangkok will showcase the best talent, in the ‘business of business’, at the power-packed FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum attended by heavyweights from Thailand and the Indian business fraternity. The primary objective of the Global Business Forum is to enhance the India-Thailand partnership through opportunities in investment, trade, infrastructure, real estate, gems and jewelry among others. IIFA has chosen to honour Nobel Peace Prize laureate and climate change scientist, Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri. He will be awarded the IIFA Global Leadership Award at the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, 2008. The Forum will be addressed by HE Ms. Latha Reddy, Indian Ambassador to Thailand and Mr. Harsh Pati Singhania, Senior VP FICCI along with other eminent panelists including Mr. Alok Lohia, CEO of Indorama Group and Mr. Anusorn Muttraid, Chairman of Committee on India Affairs, Thailand, among others. With the much-awaited ‘Sarkar Raj’ premiering on day one of the IIFA Weekend at Major Cineplex at the IIFA World Premiere 2008, Bangkok will experience the icons of Indian Cinema, the Bachchans, come together under Ram Gopal Verma’s direction. Speaking on his association with the IIFA over the years, IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan said, “I am delighted that my forthcoming film, Sarkar Raj, is being premiered at the prestigious IIFA World Premiere 2008, Bangkok and am eagerly looking forward to this splendid event. It is very exciting to see IIFA grow every year. We are committed to entertaining the audiences with new, exciting events that have an additional value of showcasing the talent that India has to offer. The IIFA Weekend will give audiences a chance to watch their Indian cinema favourites put up a grand spectacle.” Hosted by the multifaceted, Karan Johar, the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza will be presented by alternative clothing brand Mufti and Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer. The Fashion Extravaganza will feature some of the most high-profile Indian designers. Their design lines will take to the ramp, presented by Indian film stars as showstoppers, and will have the audience ‘experience stardom’ at its very best. Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. Director, Sabbas Joseph said, “IIFA promises to create a magical experience. From a serious business forum to glamorous performances and a spectacular IIFA Fashion Extravaganza, no stone has been left unturned in order to deliver the ultimate experience. We are committed to providing the best in entertainment to our audiences and IIFA Bangkok will reinforce our vision of bringing people together for the grandest celebration of Indian Cinema”. IIFA continues its association with IDEA Cellular Pvt Limited, one of India’s leading cellular service providers. Speaking on the association with IIFA, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, IDEA Cellular said, “IDEA IIFA Awards offers us the best platform to demonstrate the true essence of mobile and entertainment convergence. With the Idea IIFA Awards, our privileged customer will have access to specially created contests and several other value added services. Only Idea can take you there.” This year, the IIFA Weekend is being held from June 6th - 8th in Bangkok, the shopping paradise of ‘Amazing Thailand’. The IIFA Weekend 2008 in association with Gitanjali is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The IDEA IIFA World Premiere is powered by PVR and the Venue Partner is the Major Cineplex, Bangkok. The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza is presented by Mufti and Audi, in association with Diamrusa, Gitanjali Style Fest and co-sponsored by Alta Moda. The highlight of the IIFA Weekend, the IDEA IIFA Awards, will be held at the Siam Niramit and will be telecast on Star Plus, the global satellite broadcast partner. The event has received overwhelming support from its official partners and sponsors both in India and Thailand, namely IDEA Cellular, Bacardi, PVR Cinemas, Star India Pvt. Ltd., Gitanjali, Audi, Mufti, CNBC, YouTube, Google, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Post Publishing Plc, Destinations of the World, MAC, Major Cineplex Plc, Siam Paragon, Siam Niramit, Siam Ocean World, Alta Moda, Diamrusa, Indorama Group and Pode Hair Creation. About IIFA Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most respected South Asian film academy. Also, the IIFA Awards are India's biggest media event. With a viewership of almost 600 million, the IIFAs are among the world's most-watched annual entertainment events. From a one night celebration in 2000 at the Millennium Dome, London, the last eight years have seen the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) movement grow into a cine-packed weekend of film-festivals, workshops, exhibitions, film-showcases, global business forums and sporting events, all of which climaxes into the highlight of the Weekend, the IDEA — IIFA Awards. IIFAs have been celebrated in London, Sun City, Johannesburg, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Amsterdam and the last edition was hosted by Yorkshire, at the invitation of the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and the region of Yorkshire. This year, IIFA makes its entry into Thailand’s financial and entertainment hub, Bangkok - a modern city with historical traits is set to take IIFA to new highs with a grand celebration at the IIFA Weekend. The IIFA Weekend Bangkok, a 3 day extravaganza taking place from the 6th-8th June 2008 will include business forums, film premieres, media briefings, a glitzy awards ceremony and charity fund-raising events. The event in totality is expected to boost tourism in the host region and attract visitors from all over the world. Wizcraft International Entertainment LINOpinion- The Lintas Public Relations Division Anuja Choudhary/ Lizel Noronha Ruchika Vyas/ Kinjal Naker [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 9821185285/ 9325454642 9867780122/ 9892489074