The
Biggest Celebration of Indian Cinema, the NEXA IIFA Awards Styled by Myntra
returns to Amazing Thailand for the 19th edition,
exactly after a decade as Bangkok gets a chance to get closer to the stars and
experience the potpourri of the Indian movie culture. Hindi Cinema’s finest
talents, global dignitaries, world media, and cinema enthusiasts from across
the globe will descend on this vibrant metropolis as the spectacular
extravaganza gets underway at the Siam Niramit, the crowning jewel in
Thailand’s heritage, art and culture.
From
London to Malaysia, Johannesburg, Tampa Bay, Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai,
Yorkshire, Thailand, Macau, Colombo, Spain, Toronto and New York, IIFA has been
on an engaging journey leaving its footprint across the globe as it continues
to create and promote a distinct identity for the Indian film industry
internationally. With this year’s edition, Bangkok joins a select few cities to
have the honour of hosting the coveted IIFAs more than once.
Commencing
the highly-anticipated 19th edition of NEXA IIFA Awards Styled
by Myntra with the IIFA Weekend Press Conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel
were various notable dignitaries, members of the media and renowned film
fraternity members with a stellar line-up of Bollywood megastars such as Anil
Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Arjun Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Rekha,
Karan Johar, Riteish Deshmukh, Nushrat Bharucha, Ayushmann Khurrana and Anupam
Kher.
The
celebrations continue as the dynamic duo of Kartik Aaryan and Ayushmann
Khurrana team up as hosts for the first-time ever at the magnificent IIFA Rocks
2018. This year’s
edition promises to be an unforgettable amalgamation of music, fashion and
entertainment befitting the largest film industry in the world. The
extravaganza will see acclaimed Bollywood music director-singer Pritam perform
a never-before-seen medley with talented singers including Sreerama Chandra,
Amit Mishra, Shalmali Kholgade, Antara Mitra, Nakash Aziz and Nikitha.
Bollywood’s “Sonu ke Titu ki Sweety” Nushrat Bharucha is all set to mesmerize
the audience with her energetic performance at IIFA Rocks. Pulling off another
coup, the evening will witness a rare performance from one of television’s
biggest stars, Mouni Roy (of ‘Naagin’ fame) as she returns to the IIFA stage
after two years.
Adding
another interesting facet, India’s leading destination for fashion online,
Myntra in collaboration with renowned Indian fashion designer Vikram Phadnis is
all set to add glitz and glamour at IIFA Rocks. IIFA Rocks 2018 will also
witness the felicitation of the winners in the technical categories. Celebrated
designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil would be showcasing their collection
extraordinaire inspired by the NEXA brand values, design and colours.
The
grand finale, the star-studded NEXA IIFA Awards Styled by Myntra will see the
celebration of Indian cinema as the winners in the Popular Category are
presented with the mesmeric golden IIFA statuette. The charismatic duo Karan
Johar and Riteish Deshmukh will be seen hosting the awards night. Bangkok will
witness some power-packed performances by Bollywood superstars Ranbir Kapoor,
Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, Kartik
Aaryan and Lulia Vantur. With excitement growing across the world, the
legendary actor Rekha is sure to leave audiences spellbound with her ethereal
performance at the grandiose event.
Addressing
the media, Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Co-founder & Director, Wizcraft International
said, “The IIFAs travel the world bringing people and cultures closer together.
We are delighted to be returning to Bangkok after a decade to once again create
a mega Indian celebration. With the star-studded line-up that we have this
year, Indian movie fans are in for a treat like never before as Rekhaji’s
performance brings forth a sense of nostalgia and elegance to an event brimming
with youthfulness.”
Commenting
on the occasion, Rekha said “Coming back to IIFA and performing on the grandest
stage of all in the beautiful city of Bangkok feels ethereally wonderful. IIFA 2018 is going to be
an unforgettable, magical and once-in-a-life time experience for Indian Cinema
fans worldwide.”
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.”
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, Dia Mirza, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, said, “I am
glad that IIFA has joined the global movement to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. IIFA’s tremendous reach to audiences across
the world will help us build awareness on the need for us to discontinue the
use of ‘Single Use Plastics’ and become conscious consumers of plastics. The
planet is facing large-scale plastic pollution that is choking our cities,
polluting our air, soil, waterways, also destroying marine life and entering
our food chain. With IIFA as our partner, our message will be heard and the
message is clear, Say NO to single use plastics, ‘If you can’t re-use it,
refuse it.’”
Commenting
on the occasion, Varun Dhawan said, “IIFA has always held a special place in my
heart but that bond became even stronger after Wizcraft and IIFA offered me a
chance to pay tribute to my father’s legacy through a special performance last
year. I am very excited to put on an amazing show for everyone in Bangkok.”
Commenting
on the partnership, 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.”
Speaking
on the association, Gunjan Soni, Head, Jabong and CMO-Myntra, said, “Myntra
brings the best of global brands and fashion and IIFA brings best of Bollywood.
We have received overwhelming response from SEC A TV viewer population with
strong affinity to online fashion shopping in the last 1 year.
Myntra-IIFA association brings a strong confluence of Fashion and Bollywood to
Myntra platform making global fashion accessible to our consumers. The
experience of shopping the exclusive IIFA line designed by Vikram Phadnis, on
Myntra while the show is on will allow the Myntra consumers to engage with
fashion like never before.”
In
its continuing campaign about women empowerment, IIFA partners Woosh Washing
Expert using the voice of celebrity to share a message with the world: Barabari
Ghar Se Shuru- Equality begins at home. The IIFA stars are being invited to
speak to their fans about the need for sharing the work load at home.
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 for the second consecutive year. 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’.
Andre
Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the
IIFAs said, “The 19th edition is all set to recreate the magic of IIFA in Thailand.
This time around, Bangkok is going to witness a global phenomenon as IIFA not
only brings together the entire Indian film fraternity to celebrate Indian
cinema but also continues its endeavour to embrace and preserve the art of
cinema as we travel the world. We are excited to celebrate and present an
Amazing IIFA Weekend in Amazing Thailand.”
For
the fourth consecutive year, the IIFAs will be broadcast exclusively on India’s
No.1 premium Hindi entertainment channel, COLORS with a stunning
line-up of star-studded programming comprising of flashback episodes, IIFA
Buzz, IIFA Rocks and the NEXA IIFA Awards. For the digital savvy viewers the
same will be available on India’s leading video-on-demand platform, VOOT, from
the house of Viacom18.
Announcing
the continuing partnership with COLORS, Raj Nayak – Chief Operating Officer,
Viacom18 said, “We are honored to be associating with IIFA for the fourth
time in a row. IIFA has been taking Indian cinema to the global audience year
on year for the last 19 years and it has been a pleasure
partnering with this iconic event that celebrates India’s cinematic journey.
This edition will once again see the best of film and entertainment come
together on a global stage.”
He
further added, “The highlight of this edition will be the magnificent
performance of the timeless beauty, Rekha taking on the IIFA stage after almost
two decades, and viewers all over will be able to see her weave magic only on
COLORS. As Indian cinema continues to set new benchmarks, IIFA and COLORS will
go on to celebrate the power of a story well told and bring to the television
viewers world-class content that will brighten their lives.”
IIFA
has always partnered with institutions which promote the interests of the film
industry. This year, as part of its commitment to preserving cinema heritage,
the IIFA Foundation, has collaborated with OSIANs auction house, India’s
foremost Arts and cultural Institution & Auction House to showcase vintage
cinema memorabilia via a grand inauguration, exhibition and auction to be held
at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis hotel from June 21st to June 23rd
respectively.
Furthermore,
in its continuing effort to campaign about environment protection, the IIFAs
and the United Nations Environment have come together to campaign about “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 create
awareness about 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.
Speaking
on the association, H.E. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports said
“Thailand has long been seen as a prime location for foreign media productions.
There are many Bollywood films that have been shot in Thailand. Not only
because of the captivating mix of culture, nature’s beauty and fascinating
people, Thailand also offers pristine blue beaches, adventure sports, fun
activities, gorgeous temples and other picturesque treasures. This reflects the
kingdom’s global reputation as a leading events destination, and can also raise
awareness of Thailand as an attractive filming location.”
Commenting
on the association, Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Founder Ease My Trip shares,
"By associating with IIFA for the second time, I am very positive that
EaseMyTrip is going to make its bond with the entertainment world stronger
through this event."
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
continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of
entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring
positive results and impact. This year is set to be one of the biggest, most
extravagant and amazing IIFA Weekends to date. Keep up to date with all the
latest news and details on IIFA by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out
the social media handles.
The
principal partners for the 19th IIFA are
Title Sponsor of IIFA Awards NEXA, Styled by Myntra; Global Broadcast partner
Colors Viacom18; Digital Content Partner Voot; Cause Partner Woosh Washing expert
campaigning about Equality at home; Official Host Destination Partner Tourism
Authority of Thailand, Official Hotel Partner Marriott Marquis Hotel, Host
Venue Siam Niramit;
Other
key partners of IIFA 2018 include Official Direct
Selling Partner QNET; Brand Partner Ease My Trip, Official Travel &
Hospitality Management Partner Wedniksha; Pre-Event Cocktail Partner Superdoc;
Airport Hospitality Partner Pranaam GVK Guest Services; Official Hair &
Makeup Partner Nabila’s Salon/Cre8 Global;
Official Time Partner Craig Shelly.
#IIFA2017
Facebook
– https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/
Twitter
- https://twitter.com/IIFA
Instagram
– https://www.instagram.com/iifa/
About
IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)
Conceptualized
and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. 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
but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create
similar outcomes in its 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 Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards
globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations,
taking the film fraternity with it 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 PVT. LTD.
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 15 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 your dreams” the company is committed to
quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of
achievement
