Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu kick-start 13th IIFA Celebrations

Taking Indian Cinema to glorious pinnacles beyond national shores and across four continents and 10 countries, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced that the 13th IIFA Weekend and Awards will be held in Singapore from 7th – 9th June, 2012.

Having left an indelible footprint in China, Europe, the Middle East, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Canada over the last 12 years, the Videocon IIFA Weekend 2012 is gearing up for three days of action-packed, celebrations in the Lion City. The much-anticipated IIFA celebrations were heralded in Singapore today by superstars Anil Kapoor and Bipasha Basu.

Over the years, IIFA has emerged as the most prestigious platform recognising excellence in the Indian film industry. Year on year, the biggest names of Indian cinema congregate at the IIFA Weekend and Awards to celebrate the best contribution made to the world of films in the previous year. IIFA is a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. It also establishes a symbiotic relationship between India and the host country in areas such as tourism, culture and trade.

Mr Anil Kapoor said, “With the promise of bringing the best and the biggest of events to its viewers in a manner that's unique and entertaining, the IIFA Weekend and Awards have today become an iconic platform that the world respects. It has been my pleasure to be associated with IIFA for over a decade and once again, on behalf of IIFA and the Indian film industry, we commit to give our audience in Singapore the opportunity to witness one of the finest celebrations of culture and cinema ever held.”

After its successful staging in 2004, IIFA returns for the second time to the island nation, making it only the third nation to host the IIFA celebrations twice. IIFA 2004 witnessed a contingent of over 450 stars, celebrities, cricketers, industrialists and government leaders over the festive weekend. The impact of IIFA Singapore was experienced across tourism influx, investments into Singapore and closer ties between India and Singapore.

Ms. Bipasha Basu said, “IIFA is the most respected cinema awards and something I look forward to every year. Having performed at several IIFAs, I know the Videocon IIFA Weekend celebrations to be simply outstanding. It’s a great opportunity for me to be here in Singapore personally to represent Indian Cinema on such a global platform. I’m sure that this year’s IIFA will be a phenomenal success.”

A destination as colourful and warm as Indian Cinema itself, Singapore has been a popular location for filming and the screening of Indian films. Singapore is multi-cultural and cosmopolitan with stunning architecture, a vibrant arts scene, vast gastronomic draw, strong trade relations and also has a significant population comprising the South Asian diaspora making it an ideal destination to host the IIFA.

The IIFA Weekend Schedule with dates and venues are:

June 7: IIFA World Premiere: Lido Cinemas, Shaw Theatre
June 8: IIFA Rocks
June 9: IIFA Awards, Singapore Indoor Stadium