With white, sandy beaches flanking its bustling metropolis and
the inherently warm hospitality of one of the world's friendliest
peoples, it is little wonder that Indian cinema's biggest night was
hosted in the sun kissed city of Colombo this year. Commencing on June
3rd the three day event encompassed a power packed entertainment melee
complete with fashion shows, film previews and cricket matches
culminating in a glittering award ceremony.
As a grand celebration of Bollywood's finest offerings in the previous box office year, the 11thInternational Indian Film Academy Awards garnered the attention of the world as the brightest stars in Indian cinema took centre stage in this mega event like no other. Held in such exotic locales as South Africa, Dubai, Hong Kong and even the Netherlands, the IIFA awards took place in Colombo amidst a media frenzy with the world's eyes focused on the paradise isle for the duration of the event.
Starting off with the glitzy two day IIFA Fashion Extravaganza on June 3rd, the IIFA celebrations kicked off with 'IIFA Fashion Rocks' which displayed the designs of Indian veterans such as Vikram Phadnis and Manish Malhotra. The Sri Lankan fashion fraternity was represented by Yoland and Kanchana of KT Brown fame. The following night heralded in the IIFA Bling Fashion Show featuring the creations of Nandita Mahtani and Rocky S who had their collections showcased by Bollywood celebrities.
Perhaps the most anticipated event in the IIFA festivities calendar was the IIFA weekend which included the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match which brought Indian film stars such as Hrithik Roshan, Suniel Shetty and Dino Morea on to the field with the stars of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Captained by Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara the celebrity match attracted cricket and film fanatics alike to the SSC for a star studded event that raised money for UNICEF initiatives in the island.
The awards night attracted the who's who in the Indian film industry to Colombo's Sugathadasa Stadium which came alive with song, dance and the infectious rhythms of Bollywood. Gracing the occasion were Kareena Kapoor who bagged the award for Best Actress and Saif Ali Khan in addition to other film personalities such as Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Bipasha Basu, and Sanjay Dutt. Previews for upcoming movies "Knock Out", "Help" and "Lamhaa" were also held in the days leading up to the awards night which took place on the 5th of June.
As a grand celebration of Bollywood's finest offerings in the previous box office year, the 11thInternational Indian Film Academy Awards garnered the attention of the world as the brightest stars in Indian cinema took centre stage in this mega event like no other. Held in such exotic locales as South Africa, Dubai, Hong Kong and even the Netherlands, the IIFA awards took place in Colombo amidst a media frenzy with the world's eyes focused on the paradise isle for the duration of the event.
Starting off with the glitzy two day IIFA Fashion Extravaganza on June 3rd, the IIFA celebrations kicked off with 'IIFA Fashion Rocks' which displayed the designs of Indian veterans such as Vikram Phadnis and Manish Malhotra. The Sri Lankan fashion fraternity was represented by Yoland and Kanchana of KT Brown fame. The following night heralded in the IIFA Bling Fashion Show featuring the creations of Nandita Mahtani and Rocky S who had their collections showcased by Bollywood celebrities.
Perhaps the most anticipated event in the IIFA festivities calendar was the IIFA weekend which included the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match which brought Indian film stars such as Hrithik Roshan, Suniel Shetty and Dino Morea on to the field with the stars of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Captained by Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara the celebrity match attracted cricket and film fanatics alike to the SSC for a star studded event that raised money for UNICEF initiatives in the island.
The awards night attracted the who's who in the Indian film industry to Colombo's Sugathadasa Stadium which came alive with song, dance and the infectious rhythms of Bollywood. Gracing the occasion were Kareena Kapoor who bagged the award for Best Actress and Saif Ali Khan in addition to other film personalities such as Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Bipasha Basu, and Sanjay Dutt. Previews for upcoming movies "Knock Out", "Help" and "Lamhaa" were also held in the days leading up to the awards night which took place on the 5th of June.
Those in search of top-notch Colombo hotels
will find no better alternative to the elegant Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
Ideally located in the heart of the city's commercial capital, this
sprawling rest is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels Colombo has to offer.
