It will be the celebration of Indian cinema in Spain when Bollywood stars such as Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha will perform at The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) in June.
To be held in Madrid, the four-day cinematic celebration will start on June 23. Bollywood stars Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor will host the gala night.
Akhtar, who announced the 17th edition of the film festival in New Delhi on Thursday, along with actor Anil Kapoor, says he can’t wait to share the stage with Shahid and is equally excited to visit Spain.
“We had a wonderful time. There is a certain ease and chemistry which we have with each other and I look forward to it,” he said.
“I have fond memories of being in Spain, especially having shot my movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Even now when I plan my holidays, I prefer going to Spain. It is a different experience and I am so happy that the country is hosting this year’s IIFA.”.
Anil, who has been associated with the film festival for more than a decade now, says this year is certainly “going to be one of the biggest till date”.
“India and Spain share a lot of similarities in terms of hospitality so, I can’t wait to visit Spain again,” said the 59-year-old actor.
The festival will play host to some of the most celebrated stars of the Indian film industry and the world, along with power-packed performances.
Wiz Andre Timmins, director — Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the organisers of IIFA, said that “2016 is an exciting year for IIFA to be hosted in Madrid, as this year also marks the 60th anniversary celebration of India and Spain diplomatic relations. The platform of IIFA helps enhance the celebrations with a dynamic and diverse exchange of art, film, culture, music, fashion and business culminating into a gift of opportunity to bring both countries even closer together. It will be a magical and memorable time for locals and visitors that will get to witness the stunning performances live on stage at the spectacular IFEMA — Feria de Madrid.”
Besides the main awards gala, the IIFA weekend festivities will also include the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum and IIFA Rocks. Plus it will bring together the best of Spanish and Indian culture at the IIFA Stomp, in collaboration with MULAFEST Urban Trends Festival, organised by the MULA community and IFEMA.
Luis Cueto, Coordinador General de la Alcaldía de Madrid said: “It is a privilege for Madrid to host the 2016 IIFA Weekend and Awards. It is a unique opportunity that brings together the power of a spectacular show, the strength of an innovative touristic investment and the greatness of a cultural partnership.”
