Colombo: Talks about politics and calls for peace and understanding dominated the first day of the festivities at this year’s International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend, which kicked off Thursday in Colombo.
If Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakarra stressed his country’s desire to live in harmony after almost three decades of civil strive, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt spoke about the “universal language of films” and how it can be an unifying force.
From celebrity cricket matches to fashion shows and film previews, the annual event will see some of the biggest stars from Bollywood and Sri Lanka come together for three days in what the island nation hopes will help boost its appeal and showcase it as a viable tourism hotspot.
The IIFA is a travelling awards show held annually in different cities around the world to promote Indian cinema. Dubai played host in 2006.
Sangakarra was speaking at the inaugural press conference to officially mark the event’s opening.
“Cricket has been a healing force for Sri Lanka during its darkest times,” he said. The sportsman also used the platform to kick off a charity he’s going front along with his teammates, Bollywood star Viveik Oberoi and the IIFA.
Cricket for Children will work towards rehabilitating former child soldiers, and in Sangakarra’s words, give them back their lost youth.
Dutt, who attended a special preview of his latest film, the controversial ‘Lamhaa’, said film the global film fraternity has no boundaries and that films are for everyone.
“We are a family of mixed cultues and we entertain people. We do not specifically act for Tamils or Sri Lankans or Hindus or Muslim,” he said.
Dutt was responding to a question about whether he felt cornered when urged by pro-Tamil groups to boycott this year’s IIFA event because of its venue choice.
The 52-year-old was promoting his new film, set in India’s troubled Kashmir, where he plays a military investigator who partners on a mission with a female Muslim leader, played by Bipasha Basu.
The film “explores the corrupt nexus of politicians, intelligence, militancy and the crucifixion of idealistic and passionate people,” said its promoters.
Basu, responding to a question about whether or not she feared a backlash from her fans in South India for attending the event, said she was in Colombo to celebrate cinema and that she will not be drawn into politics.
“We have a fearless director who has made a beautiful film and we would definitely not miss a chance to promote it. We are here to spread the message of entertainment,” she said.
Dutt and Basu were joined by cast members Anupam Kher, Kunal Kapoor and other crew members including director Rahul Dholakia, who echoed the same sentiment.
Later in the day, stars Bobby Deol and Mugdha Godse unveiled the first look of their new film ‘Help’, a horror film.
The day was capped off with a fashion show with celebrities arriving on the green carpet, which, as is tradition with the IIFA, was started to spread awareness about climate change.
