I'm a huge fan of Indian cinema - I love the movies and the music. I grew up watching Hindi films, and idolising actors from my generation like Rekha, Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit.
This year, Indian cinema and its glittering stars are coming to Toronto: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) celebrations will take place here from June 23-25. It's sort of like the Golden Globes of India, except more glamorous, colourful and musical.
The awards show has been described as the "grandest celebration of Indian cinema abroad" and is expected to welcome 40,000 visitors to the GTA. Simultaneously, 600 million viewers are expected to tune in to the broadcast around the world.
Tickets went on sale in January and sold out in minutes. Somehow, I managed to get tickets and I can't wait to see the show - and write about it!
The Toronto Star just announced that Shah Rukh Khan, India's leading actor and my personal fave, will most likely be attending. Other stars coming to the show are Fardeen Kahn, Malaika Arora Khan, Esha Deol, Dia Mirza, Arbaaz Khan, Neha Dhupia, Boman Irani, Rishi Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Madhavan, Ranveer Singh, Zeenat Aman, Neetu Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore and Shatrrughan Sinha.
Prior to the show, there are lots of "IIFA buzz" events happening in Toronto to promote the event and creat excitement around it. Mybindi.com is Canada's portal into everything South Asian, and is a great source for what's happening. Great events coming up include is the IIFA Buzz festival in Brampton (June 17-19)which will showcase live music and a parade featuring actress Bipasha Basu.
Also, the Royal Ontario Museum is doing a fabulous show (running until October 2), featuring a "stunning array of vintage Bollywood cinema showcards".
FestivalsToronto is a great website to discover all the fun and diverse festivals and events that Toronto has to offer!
Check here for more info about IIFA! Till then, to get you in the Bollywood mood, here's the very danceable song, Munni Badnam Hui, from the hit film Dabangg!
