Bollywood bonanza in Bangkok

The IIFA Weekend, one of the most eagerly awaited global events, has finally kicked off in the Amazing City of Bangkok. The exhilarating IIFA Weekend, which will culminate on June 8 with the Idea IIFA Awards, has an action-packed schedule endorsed by the Indian film industry's biggest names. IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, in the company of the Thailand Sports and Tourism minister, Khun Weerasak Kowsurat and the Indian Ambassador, Latha Reddy, kicked off the festivities in the presence of Indian cinema glitterati and other dignitaries including Sanjeev Aga Managing Director Idea Cellular, Mehul Choksi, Chairman of Gitanjali Lifestyle and Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd.

The IIFA Weekend will commence with the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum , an international platform where business icons and world leaders meet on a common platform. The highlight of the event is the IIFA Global Leadership Award presentation, addressed by the icon of Indian Cinema, Amitabh Bachchan . IIFA has chosen to honour Nobel Peace Prize laureate and climate change scientist, Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri with the IIFA Global Leadership Award at the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, 2008.

The IIFA World Premiere , another major highlight at the IIFA Weekend, will give the world a glimpse into the next big thing in Indian Cinema. This year, the IIFA World Premiere at Siam Pavalai, Paragon Cineplex, Bangkok, will showcase the much-awaited Sarkar Raj, starring Indian film icons Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and directed by one of the most sought after Indian directors, Ram Gopal Varma. The other films being promoted at the IIFA Weekend will be Mission Istaanbul, Acid Factory, Love Story 2050 and De Taali.

IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan said, "IIFA is very special to me and we are committed to enhancing the IIFA phenomenon every year. This year, the Weekend activities range from high-end fashion to the ground-breaking FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum. I am confident that the Idea IIFA Awards will live up to its expectations and that audiences will experience yet another incredible IIFA, this year."

The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza is scheduled for June 7, with leading fashion designers showcasing their creations. The Indian couture line is designed by Rohit Bal, Vikram Phadnis, Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Some of the popular stars of Indian cinema like Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Ayesha Takia and Riteish Deshmukh will walk the ramp as the showstoppers. The make up of the models will be done by MAC and hair by PODE Salon. This magnificent fashion show is choreographed by ace Indian choreographer Lubna Adams with leading Indian film maker, Karan Johar playing host. To add sparkle to the glittering show, DIAMRUSA, a jewellery designer from Thailand and Gitanjali Lifestyle from India, will present their dazzling jewellery collections. The proceeds from the show will go to the IIFA Foundation, which was set up to raise funds and support families that are adversely affected while working for the production of a film.

The Idea IIFA Awards on June 8 will close the IIFA Weekend. The Awards have a stunning performer line-up that includes Indian Cinema's biggest names: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Govinda amongst others. The star casts of De Taali, Mission Istaanbul, Love Story 2050 will also put up amazing performances. The star-studded event promises to be a never-seen-before spectacle. The awards night will be hosted by the glamorous Urmila Matondkar, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani.