Indian stars in Bangkok for 'Bollywood Oscars'

Bangkok: Hundreds of Indian stars gathered in Thailand's capital on Sunday for the “Bollywood Oscars''.

At least 500 of Bollywood's biggest names—including Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Govinda—arrived in Bangkok to promote their brand of film-making.

The gala event launched by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) just eight years ago has become one of the film industry's most-watched events.

The gala itself has criss-crossed the planet since the inaugural ceremony in London, heading in past years to Amsterdam, South Africa and Yorkshire in Britain.

This year's ceremony at a lavish Bangkok theatre, decorated in traditional Thai style, will highlight films that go beyond India's traditional song-and-dance fare.

Celebrations began on Friday with the premiere of Sarkar Raj (Absolute Ruler), featuring celebrity couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan.

The couple are up for Best Male and Best Female awards for their roles in Guru—a rags-to-riches story of an Indian businessman.

The Indian film industry was valued at $2.2 billion last year, just a fraction of what Hollywood earns in a year, but organisers said that the Bollywood Oscars will help expand audiences around the globe.