Bachchans' galore at IIFA 2009?

Aman Kanth

After enthralling the audience in Bangkok last year, the prestigious International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) is here again! Celebrating the spirit of Indian cinema in the exotic locale of the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the tenth edition of IIFA will be held from 11 – 13 June 2009. With Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador, the tenth IIFA Awards will be a star-studded affair that showcases various artists shaking their leg at the fabulous event. Speaking in an interview about the tenth IIFA year, a proud Bachchan said, “I am delighted to see IIFA celebrate its 10th year. The Indian and international reception to IIFA has grown over the years, cementing its position as a significant larger than life phenomenon. This year at IDEA IIFA Awards, we pay tribute to the greats of Indian cinema through the Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Videocon Golden Decade Honours. We are committed to presenting the talent India has to offer, while giving audiences a chance to experience their film favourites.” Of late, amidst all the hype of IIFA 2009, the award function has merely become a la Bachchan affair, indeed it has become a family drama. Grapevine has it that King Khan Shah Rukh has bailed out the personal invite of Big B, courtesy the Bachchans’ overbearing presence at the show! Well, it won’t be a revelation of sorts to witness Amitabh, Aishwarya and Abhishek ruling the roost at the event as Big B will boogie with Peter Andre, where the singer will be crooning his hits like Flava, Only One, Lets Get It On, Insania and I Feel You among others. Well, IIFA 2009 will be a disappointment of sorts with many A-list actors giving it a complete miss! Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, another Khan who has declined to be part of the show is none other than Aamir Khan. If Shah Rukh is busy with the shooting of his upcoming flick ‘My Name Is Khan’, ‘Gajini’ actor Aamir is fabled for his extreme aversion for award functions. Along with the Khans, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Ajay Devgan, Priety Zinta, Rani Mukherjee, John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are some prominent stars who will be missing in action! Nevertheless, along with the Bachchan double whammy (Abhishek and Aishwarya), the only saving grace of IIFA 2009 are Bollywood siren Kareena Kapoor, newbie Sonam Kapoor and dimpled actor Shahid Kapur shaking a leg with Riteish Deshmukh, Boman Irani and Lara Dutta - the hosts for the prestigious event. Choreographed by none other than dancing maestro Prabhu Deva, IIFA 2009 will be graced by numerous celebrities. The most anticipated feat will be the much awaited performance of Salman Khan, who will be promoting his upcoming flick ‘Wanted’. Indeed, IIFA 2009 promises to be bigger and better event that brings you the best of Bollywood and all its glitz and glamour – a la Bachchan mode! Get ready to watch Bollywood stars coming under one roof and celebrating the pinnacle of Indian cinema in Macau, China. Watch out for IIFA 2009, under the benign shadow of the Big B, of course!