Even as he used the platform to clear the air about a political controversy he allegedly started, Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan didn’t stray too far from his mission on Tuesday — to launch the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA).
The actor said the awards “would be of international standards” and would “bring in what Bollywood stands for — fun, romance and dance”.
Canadian city Vancouver has been chosen as the first venue for the three-day event.
A number of high-profile film awards already exist in India including the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) and Zee Cine Awards, many of them — with the exception of the Filmfare Awards in Mumbai — held annually at different venues around the world.
Vineet Jain, the managing director of Times of India group said Toifa would be different as it would be a three-day event. “This is yet another step to get closer to millions of Indian fans across the globe who are hungry to see Shah Rukh and other actors in person,” he said.
With winners voted by Bollywood fans around the world, the first event will see heartthrobs Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma play host and choreographer Shiamak Davar take charge. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the awards ceremony.
