The Indian Panorama

Tag: IIFA

  • WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES THE DATES FOR THE 19TH EDITION OF NEXA IIFA AWARDS THAILAND

    WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES THE DATES FOR THE 19TH EDITION OF NEXA IIFA AWARDS THAILAND

    The Biggest Celebration of Indian Cinema IIFA Weekend And Awards 2018 heads to Bangkok!

    NEW YORK (TIP): IIFA fever returns to Bangkok, Thailand exactly after a decade with the 19th edition of the NEXA IIFA Awards styled by Myntra. Bangkok would play host to a mélange of glitz, glamour and Bollywood’s finest talent, global dignitaries, world media, Indian cinema fans and enthusiasts from across the globe at the highly anticipated star-studded weekend from 22nd & 24th June, at the reputed Siam Niramit Theatre.

    The principal partners for the 19th edition are: Host Destination Partner Tourism Authority of Thailand; Title Sponsor NEXA, Styled By Myntra; Cause Partner Woosh Washing expert campaigning about Equality at home; Official Hotel Partner Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park; Venue Partner Siam Niramit;

    To reveal key highlights about the upcoming IIFA festivities, Bollywood bigwigs Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Dia Mirza, Shahid Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan were joined by notable dignitaries at the Official IIFA Press Conference in Delhi today.

    NEXA IIFA Awards is all set to take place at the gem of Bangkok’s entertainment scene, the grandiose Siam Niramit, which is adorned by Thailand’s heritage, art and culture and hosts the country’s most-popular theatre production and a must-see show.

    A stellar line-up of hosts and performances were revealed!

    Fans of the biggest celebration of Indian cinema will see the rising star Kartik Aaryan and the talented Ayushmann Khurrana host the vibrant IIFA Rocks 2018. The star-studded NEXA IIFA Awards would be hosted by Karan Johar and Riteish Deshmukh who are all set to mesmerize the audiences with their charismatic energy.

    The first set of performers revealed for the NEXA IIFA Awards include swashbuckling performances by Bollywood megastars Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. The organisers shared that over the next couple of weeks more performers would be revealed.

    This year, IIFA has proudly partnered with Woosh Washing Expert, to support the cause of equality at home – ‘Barabari Ghar Se Shuru’. This partnership provides a platform to contribute and raise awareness for Women Empowerment and Gender Equality.

    In its continuing effort to campaign about environment protection, the IIFAs and the United Nations Environment have come together to campaign, “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 combat 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.

    Additionally, as part of its commitment to preserving cinema heritage, this year IIFA Foundation will be collaborating with OSIAN’s auction house, India’s foremost Arts and cultural Institution & Auction House, to showcase vintage cinema memorabilia at an exhibition event which will be held at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis, Queens Park hotel from June 21st to June 23rd. A glimpse of the memorabilia was displayed at the press conference.

    Commenting on the occasion, 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.”

    Commenting on the association, Mr.Stapanaseth Isra, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office said, “IIFA 2018 will prove to be beneficial for the publicity of Thailand’s tourism industry, which will contribute to enhancing the positive image of the country and attract Indian tourists by showcasing a variety of tourism products Thailand has to offer. The event also complies with TAT’s directions to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for Indians.”

    Speaking on the association, Mr. R.S. Kalsi, Sr. Executive, Director-Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said “Our country is changing at a rapid pace and so are the aspirations of our new- age customers. The sophisticated, discerning and highly ambitious customers want to enjoy higher level of experiences when they are buying a car. At NEXA we are providing them just that by offering them the best car buying experience that meets global standards.

    There’s no denying that Indian Cinema today has made its global mark with innovative ideas, great technology, and a creative outlook. And IIFA, being the global flag bearer of Indian films recognises and honours this talent. That’s why IIFA is such a perfect fit with NEXA’s vision. As partners for 4 years, we have grown together to provide audiences more exciting and innovative experiences.”

    Sharing his thoughts, 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.”

    Speaking on the association, Ms. Gunjan Soni, CMO, Myntra and Head, Jabong said, “As the style partner and Co-Powered By sponsor of IIFA-2018, we at Myntra are working towards a liaison between fashion and Bollywood Indian cinema. We are not going to be a passive sponsor but are working with IIFA on several properties like a stoppable fashion show that offer the consumers the opportunity to own and experience the personal fashion choices of their favourite celebrities. The previous edition of IIFA held in New York, with Myntra as the style partner was a huge success for us and was positively received by Myntra users. We expect this visibility to grow further during the current edition in Bangkok. We are very excited and look forward to the event. “

    Expressing his excitement, Shahid Kapoor said, “IIFA has always been close to my heart and it its 19th year IIFA is all set to recreate memories in Bangkok for the second time. I am thrilled to be performing at the spectacular awards night and what better venue than the treasured Siam Niramit.”

    Kartik Aaryan added saying, “I am excited to debut as a host at IIFA Rocks this year. As an actor, you always want to be a part of something as big as IIFA, whether to perform or host. IIFA certainly gives you the biggest audience to entertain with your performance and I look forward to hosting a great show. Like every Bollywood fan, I too am looking forward to IIFA Bangkok”.

    Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFAs said, “We are pleased to be taking IIFA back to Bangkok after 10 years.  IIFA has grown over this decade and we are excited to celebrate the grandeur and excitement in Amazing Thailand. Vibrant Bangkok is the perfect host to welcome and embrace the spirit of Bollywood like no other and it’s a pleasure to see Thailand welcome IIFA with open arms for the second time. IIFA continues the endeavour to build bridges between countries, communities and cultures and increase businesses such as tourism, wedding and MICE among others for host destinations.”

    Commenting on their association, Mr. Yogesh Jain, Managing Director, Woosh Washing Expert said, “We’re glad to announce Woosh Washing Expert as a Proud Cause Partner of IIFA 2018. As we believe in the power of gender equality and women empowerment, we’re proud to support the cause- Equality Begins At Home”. Let’s all support ‘Barabari Ghar Se Shuru’.

    Commenting on the association, 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 is dedicated to building bridges across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations, creating everyone’s dream: “One People. One World”. The 19th Edition NEXA IIFA Awards Styled by Myntra aims to bring the magic of Indian cinema not only to Bangkok but also to the whole of South-East Asia.

    Other key partners of IIFA 2018 include Associate Sponsor QNET; Official Travel & Hospitality Management Partner Wedniksha; Airport Hospitality Partner Pranaam GVK Guest Services.

    The 19th edition kick-started on April 27th with the IIFA Voting Weekend commencing the peer voting process for the NEXA IIFA Awards styled by Myntra, which saw members of the Indian Film Industry show their support to IIFA as they came forward to vote for their peers. The auditors of the Awards process, EY, would soon be revealing the nominations of the Popular Awards which would then be open for public voting on iifa.com

    Fans and media are welcome to keep abreast of the latest news and details on IIFA and Hindi cinema by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles:

    • Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa
    • Twitter – https://twitter.com/iifa
    • Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/

    About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

    Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India and an equally important objective is to create similar benefits in the host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

    Wizcraft International promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com

    About Wizcraft International Entertainment

    Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage.  Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 18 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world.  It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

  • International Indian Film Academy Show was a huge disappointment

    International Indian Film Academy Show was a huge disappointment

    Impression of Patrons

    I.S. Saluja

    NEW YORK (TIP): “The biggest night of the year. A star-studded spectacle with the biggest Bollywood superstars! With extravagant productions and superbly choreographed performances, this magnificent evening honors the best talent in Indian Cinema. The evening will witness performances by Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Kriti Sanon, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and more”, read an announcement on IIFA website.

     The Bollywood loving Indian Americans were thrilled. They had the intense desire to meet with their idols and also they had the means to buy the most expensive tickets and they lined up, expecting to meet with their favorite stars and have a swell time at the IIFA extravaganza. But then, it was not to be. At least, for many.

    The Indian Panorama received a couple of letters describing IIFA as a hopeless and flop show, to be mild, and as a show meant to cheat patrons, at the worst. Media colleagues have also spoken about the event as the most ill organized and unwelcoming to spectators.

    IIFA needs to know that its approval rating has surely gone down in this part of the world. A letter from a renowned and highly respected gentleman from medical profession says it all.

    Dear Media Friends,
    I am sure you have a very good insight on majority of what happened at and behind the IIFA show and that your coverage will narrate all that. From my perspective, I had a fair amount of doctor and other friends who flew in and bought expensive tickets 1500-5000 dollars and here is their feedback.
    1. The promotional package forwarded to them had Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra as attending the show along with several Hollywood celebrities including Matt Damon, Julia Roberts etc. It is hard to resist the temptation of seeing SRK and Salmaan on the same stage. But, the show had none of that. This was a very cleverly done false and fraudulent marketing. Many of these people are exploring possibility of legal recourses in getting their money back, given the false claims and fraudulent marketing.
    1. The VIP tickets 2500 and above had a pre -event cocktail listed as part of ticket price. But to their unpleasant surprise, they had to stand in line and buy an overpriced beer and chicken fingers etc…. So much for the VIP treatment
    1. The green carpet concept was essentially a fraud in its own way, where there was lot of green but hardly any carpet.There was no VIP treatment in that green carpet.
    1. The show only had one focus i.e. a TV show for the colors TV as was clear by the two hosts talking at length with a poorly written non entertaining script. Singers and Star line up was good, but even then Wizcraft managed to produce a boring show for the most part.
    1. One of the moms wrote on my Facebook page that she felt sorry for those 200 kids and their dedicated parents who paid more than $300 to participate in dance with Salman Khan.
    They spent 5 days and more than 15 hours a day in dance practice at MetLife stadium. All the kids sat in the brutal 100 degrees heat for the stars to come practice with them. Unfortunately, Salman never showed up for any of the practice until Thursday night at 8 pm.
    On the day of the event the kids were asked to be there at 1pm because Salman wanted to practice with them. Once again Salman never showed up for practice. These poor kids were sitting at the stadium from 1pm and got to perform at 3 am. On Thursday, there was also an incident happened which injured seven or more kids. One of which got severely injured and ended up in the hospital.
    Wizcraft had lot of issues in Tampa, but people took it as a first timer mistakes. However, this repeated and deliberate attempt of misleading people to get money and the mistreatment is not to be ignored and tolerated silently.
    The public sentiment is clear by the fact that when I initially posted it on face book, the video post has had > 38,000 views and has been shared by around 80 people in 36 hours.
    Knowing most of you, I am pretty sure and hope that your coverage will go beyond the spectacular stage decoration and glittery star pictures in portraying the feelings and frustration of people and kids.
    Some folks are approaching the Indian Ambassador, FICCI and the office of attorney general for the fraud and mistreatment reporting.
    If you have any other ideas, what should and can be done about this, please do let me know.
    My cell # is 8568736633 for any questions.
    Regards.
    Sanjay
    (Dr. Sanjay Gupta)

    The Indian Panorama has always believed and supported the readers to state their opinions, suggestions and reporting. Do write to us for any further comments.

     

  • IIFA rocks New York as the mega event kicks off with ringing of bell at Nasdaq and a press conference

    IIFA rocks New York as the mega event kicks off with ringing of bell at Nasdaq and a press conference

    NEW YORK (TIP): The 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards began with an Official Press Conference held at the Metropolitan Ballroom at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. The conference was attended by leading notable figures and members from the media, eminent Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan among others were in attendance as they welcomed the Biggest IFA ever in New York.

    IIFA inaugurated its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema. International Indian Film Academy especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers. Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children’s education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.

    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference

    Fans of Indian Cinema can look forward to a host of events kicking off with the music and fashion welcome party- Myntra presents IIFA Stomp at Times Square on 13th July. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan will be showcasing his DJ skills at IIFA Stomp alongside DJ Amann Nagpal, Electronica icon B.R.E.E.D, DJ Nasha, as they raise the excitement with their unique music. Another facet to IIFA Stomp is a glamorous Fashion Show right in the heart of the city! Myntra shall present its collection with show-stoppers Bollywood actresses’ Dia Mirza and Taapsee Pannu. Leading ladies Shilpa Shetty & Neha Dhupia shall be show-stoppers for Shane and Falguni Peacock collection presented by NEXA and a Jewelry collection will be presented by Gitanjali by designer Sonaakshi Raaj with Huma Qureshi as the showstopper. In addition, Myntra shall announce the MOGO much logo launch featuring a 10 minute performance by the talented multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale.

    Day 1 of the 18th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards also introduces the first-of-its-kind “Shuruaat Gala” Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summit, a charity fundraiser organized by IIFA in association with The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF) at The Pierre in New York. As star studded evening, Shuruaat Gala Dinner at IIFA shall bring together the biggest celebrities from Bollywood and leaders from business, philanthropy, media, education and Arts.

    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference

    As part of the IIFA Weekend and Awards in New York, IIFA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry announced the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum to be held on July 14th, 2017 at the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue. An initiative, supported by Consulate General of India- New York, Asia Society and US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Business Forum began in 2005 and has grown into a global platform which has hosted international leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair of UK, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and a number of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, the annual one-day event has been a major highlight of the IIFA Weekend And Awards, solidifying the business ties between India and its significant trade and investment partners. This year, the Global Business Forum 2017 will focus on the theme “India and United States: Partners in Progress”, with discussions on India- US commercial relations, with panel sessions focusing on key aspects of the relationship:  The future of India-US Economic Partnership, Defense and Security, Manufacturing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Media & Entertainment.

    Additionally, the iconic MetLife stadium shall transform into an unforgettable musical experience at EROS NOW IIFA Rocks on July 14th with the Multi-talented Bollywood star Diljit Dosanjh kick-starting the performances. A never-seen-before medley and energetic performances from Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali, Haricharan Seshadri and Kamaal Khan among others will be seen with the legendary artist A.R. Rahman at IIFA Rocks. Bollywood’s Riteish Deshmukh and Manish Paul will host the sensational global event.

    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference

    The final and most awaited event of the weekend is the NEXA IIFA Awards Co-presented by Eros Now Powered by VIVO, a spectacular and glamorous night which honors and celebrates excellence and deserving work in Indian cinema will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 15th featuring Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar hosting the star studded night with dazzling performances by Bollywood megastars Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference

    As the highly anticipated 18TH edition of IIFA, to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017 descends on the captivating city of New York, the International Indian Film Academy commences its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, symbolizing  the globalization of Indian cinema.

    Seen at the prestigious event were members of Nasdaq along with IIFA’s founders Mr. Andre Timmins and Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Directors of Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement, along with Bollywood diva Sonakshi Sinha.

    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
    Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference

    International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers.

    Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children’s education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.

    Commenting on the occasion, Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement says, “Given IIFA’s multi-faceted nature, we are pleased to ring in the 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards at the Nasdaq Stock Market Bell ringing ceremony. We are thrilled to bring in India’s biggest and most spectacular global celebration of cinema and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America.”