AS WE cross out calendar dates drawing closer to the Idea International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, IIFA has announced a stellar list of performers and events, promising to leave the audience spellbound. A stunning performers’ line up that include Indian cinema’s biggest names like Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Govinda were announced.

For the first time ever, the stage will come alive with multi-star performances. The performances are designed to showcase four important films that are to be released shortly. Headliners – Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja will showcase Harry Baweja’s ’Love Story 2050’; the lively ’De Taali’ team of Aftab Shivdasani, Ritesh Deshmukh and Ayesha Takia is guaranteed to entertain. The cast of ’Mission Istanbul,’ Zayed Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Shreya Saran along with the other members of the cast promise to set the stage on fire. ’Acid Factory’, a film that has just begun, will share its first look on stage with a performance by Dia Mirza, Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea and Aftab Shivdasani.

With all eyes on Bangkok, Thailand, the IIFA is preparing for the biggest weekend with Indian cinema’s finest. The IIFA Weekend in Bangkok will showcase the best talent, in the ’business of business’, at the power-packed FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, attended by heavyweights from Thailand and the Indian business fraternity. The primary objective of the Global Business Forum is to enhance the India-Thailand partnership through opportunities in investment, trade, infrastructure, real estate, gems and jewellery among others.

IIFA has chosen to honour Nobel Peace Prize laureate and climate change scientist, Dr Rajendra K Pachauri. He will be awarded the IIFA Global Leadership award at the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, 2008. The Forum will be addressed by Latha Reddy, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, and Harsh Pati Singhania, Sr VP, FICCI, along with other eminent panelists Alok Lohia, Indorama, Thailand and Anusorn Muttraid, chairman of committee on India Affairs, Thailand, among others.

With the much-awaited ’Sarkar Raj’ premièring on day one of the IIFA Weekend at Major Cineplex at the IIFA World Première 2008, Bangkok will experience the icons of Indian cinema, the Bachchans, come together in Ram Gopal Verma’s directorial venture.

Speaking on his association with the IIFA over the years, IIFA brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan said, "I am delighted that my forthcoming film, Sarkar Raj, is being premièred at the prestigious IIFA World Premiere 2008, Bangkok and I am eagerly looking forward to this splendid event. It is very exciting to see IIFA grow every year. We are committed to entertaining the audiences with new, exciting events that have an additional value of showcasing the talent that India has to offer. The IIFA Weekend will give audiences a chance to watch their Indian cinema favourites put up a grand spectacle."

Hosted by the multifaceted, Karan Johar, the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza will be presented by alternative clothing brand Mufti and Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer. The fashion extravaganza will feature some of the most high-profile Indian designers. Their design lines will take to the ramp, presented by Indian film stars as show-stoppers, and will have the audience ’experience stardom’ at its very best.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd, director, Sabbas Joseph said, "IIFA promises to create a magical experience. From a serious business forum to glamorous performances and a spectacular IIFA Fashion Extravaganza, no stone has been left unturned in order to deliver the ultimate experience. We are committed to providing the best in entertainment to our audiences and IIFA Bangkok will reinforce our vision of bringing people together for the grandest celebration of Indian cinema."

IIFA continues its association with Idea Cellular Pvt Limited, one of India’s leading cellular service providers. Speaking on the association with IIFA, Sanjeev Aga, managing director, Idea Cellular said, "Idea IIFA Awards offers us the best platform to demonstrate the true essence of mobile and entertainment convergence. With the awards, our privileged customers will have access to specially created contests and several other value added services. Only Idea can take you there."

This year, the IIFA Weekend is being held from June 6 – June 8 in Bangkok, the shopping paradise of the amazing Thailand. The IIFA Weekend, 2008, in association with Gitanjali, is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The Idea IIFA World Premiere is powered by PVR and the venue partner is the Major Cineplex, Bangkok. The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza is presented by Mufti and Audi, in association with Diamrusa, Gitanjali Style Fest and is co-sponsored by Alta Moda.

The highlight of the IIFA weekend, the Idea IIFA awards will be held at the Siam Niramit and will be telecast on Star Plus, the global satellite broadcast partner.