It's back to Singapore for IIFA this year

Singapore, April 24 (IANS) Eight years after showcasing Bollywood's wonder in Singapore, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is heading back to the City of Lions for its annual weekend and awards, to be held June 7-9.

Singapore will host the 13th edition of IIFA, which will have fashion shows, a musical extravaganza, and all the celebrations culminating into a glittering awards presentation ceremony.

"Our focus is to showcase the best of Indian cinema to the world. With the unparalleled success of IIFA Singapore in 2004, we are back here to relive the magic," Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment, said in a statement.

"We have only just opened the Wizcraft Event Management operations in Singapore and are delighted to showcase our most prestigious creation, IIFA once again in Singapore. We hope that the IIFA's help bring India and Singapore closer together," he added.

Bollywood stars Anil Kapoor and Bipasha Basu were here to unveil this year's IIFA venue.

"It has been my pleasure to be associated with IIFA for over a decade and once again, on behalf of IIFA and the Indian film industry, we commit to give our audience in Singapore the opportunity to witness one of the finest celebrations of culture and cinema ever held," said Anil, who is awaiting the release of his film "Tezz".

Bipasha, looking resplendent in a white sari by designer Anamika Khanna, added: "IIFA is the most respected cinema awards and something I look forward to every year.

"It's a great opportunity for me to be here in Singapore personally to represent Indian cinema on such a global platform. I'm sure that this year's IIFA will be a phenomenal success."

The IIFA awards this year are presented by Videocon Industries and Wizcraft International Entertainment, and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.

The 2004 IIFA award ceremony witnessed a contingent of over 450 stars, celebrities, cricketers, industrialists and government leaders over the festive weekend.

The impact of IIFA Singapore was experienced across tourism influx, investments into Singapore and closer ties between India and Singapore.

This year, they hope for more.

Last year, the award ceremony was held in Toronto.