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The fourth annual presentation ceremony of the prestigious
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards will be held
on May 17, 2003 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This
three day Bollywood extravaganza promises to showcase the
best of Indian cinema providing a platform for interaction
with global media.
Addressing
the representatives of the national and international media
earlier this month, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan said
that IIFA had played a small but significant role in taking
Hindi cinema beyond Indian shores.
He
also said, 'I strongly believe in Indian cinema and want it
to go out and impress other people globally. These days there
is a surge of Indian movies trying to attract the attention
of audiences worldwide'.
Mr
Bachchan continued, 'Events such as the IIFA awards are
responsible for promoting Hindi films and creating awareness
about the richness of our culture in other parts of the world.'
The
Bollywood film, Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost, (meaning
'my friend comes from Mumbai') which sees the directorial
debut of Apoorva Lakhia, will be premiered at the IIFA Awards
2003.
Announcing
this, film distributor and member of the IIFA Advisory Board,
Shyam Shroff pointed out that movies like Lagaan and
Aankhen, which premiered at the earlier IIFA Awards,
turned out to be box-office successes.
The leading pair of Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost, Lara
Dutta and Abhishek Bachchan expressed hope that the film will
live up to audience expectations.
Delighted
at the prospect of being the host to the IIFA Awards, South
African High Commissioner to India, Maite Mokoana-Mahabane
said, 'Everyone involved with the event and the audience
will be inspired by the joy and vibrancy of the awards ceremony.'
She
continued,'they will witness the breathtaking South African
scenery, the diversity of our culture and the genuine warmth
of our people.' 听 |
