Stars set to spread Bollywood fever in Spain during IIFA

Madrid: The glitterati of the Mumbai-based Hindi film industry, popularly known as Bollywood to the west, have descended upon the sunny Spanish capital of Madrid to celebrate Indian cinema during the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards to be held here in the weekend.

The award ceremony, which has travelled to several continents over the years, will mark its 17th edition this year in the European city, which is hosting the three-day gala.

The Bollywood contingent will be led by Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Kabir Khan, Bipasha Basu, Huma Qureshi, Jackie Shroff, Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chaddha and Indian-origin Hollywood actress Freida Pinto among others.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani", which was the toast of awards season this year, is leading the IIFA nominations with eight nods, including best director, best picture, best actress and best actor.

Bajirao Mastani" is closely followed by superstar Salman Khans blockbuster "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" with seven nominations.

The highlight of IIFA Awards ceremony will be the top six acts by superstar Salman, Hrithik Roshan, Sonakshi Sinha, Tiger Shroff besides Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, who are both creating waves in Hollywood.

Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor are reuniting for the third time to handle the hosting duties on stage at IIFA main awards ceremony.

Veteran actress Sridevi has been selected for the IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema. The "English Vinglish" star will receive the honour at the event. 

The IIFA ceremony is being choreographed by Shiamak Davar

and will be broadcast on Colors.

The main awards gala will be preceded by several sub-events which include a musical and fashion extravaganza IIFA Rocks, to be hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar and Bollywood's latest import from Pakistan - Fawad Khan.

Pritam, Kanika Kapoor, Meet Brothers, Benny Dayal, Monali Thakur, Papon along with Shilpa Shetty, Sooraj Pancholi, Eli Avram and Daisy Shah are set to perform during the event.

Over the next three days, IIFA will also host the Global Business Forum that will address several important issues including urgent environmental issues that affect the global population.

Bringing together the best of Spanish and Indian culture is the IIFA Stomp in collaboration with MULAFEST Urban Trends Festival, with four incredible musical chapters to unfold over the weekend.

A special Yoga Masterclass will also be organised by superstar Shilpa Shetty, who is returning to IIFA after a gap of seven years.

The celebrations will culminate with the IIFA Stomp and Rang Jam Party with a theme based of one of India's most colourful festival - Holi.

The ceremony itself is expected to bring 15,000 visitors to the Spanish capital during the week of the show.