Next month, Dubai is going to be transformed into a playground for South Indian movie stars as they jet into town to attend the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA).
To be held over two days, on June 21 and 22, the organisers have revealed a glittering line-up of stars including Malayalam matinee idols Mohanlal, Prithviraj and Asif Ali.
From the Telugu, Tamil and Kannada film industries, actors including Nagarjuna, Kolaveri Di sensation Dhanush and Ambareesh have confirmed their attendance.
"This is our first awards ceremony in Dubai. We have extended invites to all the major stars from the Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada film industries. It's going to be a grand affair," said Mini Sarma, CEO of 7Media, the local organisers.
Iconic actor Kamal Haassan, who is busy promoting his ambitious thriller Viswaroop, will also attend the awards ceremony.
"The idea is to honour the top talents from the South Indian industry," said Sarma.
Actors Asin and Rana Dagubatti, of South Indian origin, will be honoured with Pride of South India awards for making a successful breakthrough in Bollywood. They will be decorated on June 21 in a function titled GeNext Awards, primarily held to honour the young talent that has cropped up in the South Indian film industry.
"SIIMA is not limited to [an] awards presentation ceremony. There will [be] dance, songs and fashion shows in the run-up to the actual presentation."
Actor Madhavan and former Miss India Parvathy Omanakuttan have been roped in as anchors.
While the awards night on June 22 will be held at the World Trade Centre, the venue for the music/fashion show event on June 21 is yet to be finalised. Watch this space for ticket details and more.
