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The flag bearer of Indian cinema
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan with Sanjay Dutt at the International Indian Film Academy Awards press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday.
NO, THIS is not the Oscars. And it definitely doesn't -- at least not yet -- create the kind of curiosity or enthusiasm that the Academy Awards do. But then, this is not just another film award function.
The world's largest film industry that annually sells over six billion tickets worldwide is screaming for attention. And though Los Angeles continues to be an unrealised dream, Bollywood now seems all set to tempt the West to its `camp', instead of simply sitting and waiting for the prestigious call to come from the `big brother'.
Amitabh Bachchan himself terms it as a stage that achieves "the global celebration of Indian cinema''. And if what began as a small beginning by firm believers and dreamers of Bollywood takes the shape it should, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards might well become the international platform that Indians have been looking for long.
Last year's Sun City chapter at South Africa had seen Shah Rukh Khan share the stage with a much amused Angelina Jolie, and an excited Jackie Chan throw a hint at Bollywood when he mentioned that "I am not just good in action and stunts. I can sing well too. And I am sure a lot of producers here would like to make use of that.''
The third Electrolux Kelvinator IIFA awards that kick off at the Genting Island Resort at Malaysia on April 6 promises much more. Especially, since it also carries with it the euphoria and disappointment witnessed pre and post "Lagaan'' at the 74th Annual Academy Awards.
The press conference held at hotel Taj Mansingh here today to announce the third IIFA awards may have looked and sounded more like a publicity for Malaysian tourism, but it nevertheless brought out one point clearly. That Bollywood is finally gearing up to not just dream big but work towards a magnum opus goal of coming up with films loaded with more than just good songs and locales.
``I firmly believe that Indian cinema has the qualities to be recognised world-wide. This award ceremony is not just for Asians living abroad, but all those who might be interested in knowing more about us. We are hoping that they share our excitement and the celebration becomes such a habit that it helps Bollywood in the long run,'' remarked Amitabh Bachchan, who is also the chief patron of the awards.
To be telecast live by Sony Entertainment Channel, the selection procedure for the awards involves a compilation of box office in the popular and technical categories which are voted upon by the industry. The chosen entries are put up for voting on the net later on.
This year's event has enough excitement in store. While Sushmita Sen will give a performance of "Diamonds Are A Woman's Best Friend'' from the Hollywood blockbuster "Moulin Rouge''. The event will also witness the first live "mahurat'' shot of a film at an award event.
While last year saw "Lagaan'' being premiered internationally at the IIFA, this time round it will be the Bachchan multi-starrer "Aankhen''. Also launched will be the music of "Kaante''.
By Lakshmi Balakrishnan,
Photo V.V. Krishnan
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