(Apologies for being MIA it’s been a hectic work week!) But here’s the buzz from Macau this year. Turns out a lot of celebrities will NOT be attending this years International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards this year. Kareena Kapoor (after announcing that she was going to learn to belly dance from Shiamak Davar for her act) has now backed out. Instead, Bebo will accompany boyfriend Saif Ali Khan to England where they will attend the T20 World Cup matches. Farah Khan has her priorities all sorted out too. Her babies and family first, then her friends and then everybody else. Farah Khan will be given the Best Choreography award for ‘Desi Girl‘ (a track from Dostana) at IIFA this year but will not be there to receive it, instead she’ll be choreographing a song picturized on Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol for Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan.
Now this one’s particularly funny, Ranbir Kapoor had initially agreed to perform at the awards ceremony. But now is not too keen anymore. This sudden change of mind is being credited to his new look for Shimit Amin’s next project Rocket Singh (really Rocket Singh?) Incidentally, if Ranbir had actually ended up performing, it would have been the first time he’d dance at an awards ceremony(looks like it will be a while before I see Ranbir groove to Bachna Ae Haseeno.)
And Forget about performing live, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar won’t even be attending the 10th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards night in Macau on June 13. The actor has kept aside the month for a family vacation, specially chalked out with his son. I’m told the finale might be performed by the Bachchans Amitabh, Aishwarya and Abhishek (they’ve had tons of practice because of the Unforgettable Tour anyway.) I also hear Shahid Kapoor is performing. Initially Priyanka Chopra was also to perform but now she is not. Bollywood actors Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh, who had the audience in splits with their humor at the awards last year in Bangkok, will play hosts to the cine event again and joining the two would be beauty queen-turned-actress Lara Dutta.
Meanwhile Amrita Rao will be seen in a whole new chic avatar At IIFA’09 promoting “Shortkut” walking the ramp with co-star Arshad Warsi as a part of the special IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza followed by a rapid fire Q&A round with hosts Zayed Khan and Sophie Choudhary on centre stage. There will also a special media briefing for Shortkut on the following day. The film is directed by Neeraj Vora, produced by Anil Kapoor and screenplay by Anees Bazmee. Other star cast of Shortkut includes Akshay Khanna, Arshad Warsi and a special appearance by Sanjay Dutt and the producer Anil Kapoor himself in a cameo. Amrita will be seen wearing sleek and sexy Wendell Rodricks outfit complemented by elegant jewellery by Gitanjali Group for IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza. She will also be seen sporting accessories and more from international brands of the likes of Christian Dior, FCUK, Aldo, Luxottica Group.
FYI her PR says “Her look for the IIFA will showcase 2C’s – color and comfort.” Hilarious. (And seriously I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried!)
Two days before the actual excitement begins, Amrita Rao says “My stint with IIFA started off in Singapore where I was awarded the “Face of the Year” Award. It is an event that is extremely close to my heart and extremely special for sentimental reasons. Macau is a unique amalgamation of Portugal and Chinese culture which I am quite fascinated by and looking forward to explore. This year besides mingling with the entire film fraternity, I will be giving undivided attention to my soon-to-be-released film, Shortkut. My fashion statement will express loads of ‘green carpet’ glamour for the night, but simple yet sexy dresses for the day.”