The IIFA 2014 fever has begun

Bollywood celebrities are gearing up for a weekend long extravaganza in Florida next month.

MUMBAI: Bollywood celebrities are all set to perform and entertain their fans at the 15th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards to be held in Tampa Bay, Florida. A star-studded press conference held in Mumbai on Tuesday, had celebrities gushing over their plans.

“IIFA is my family and I have been associated with it for the last 15 years. I am grateful to IIFA and I feel this is going to be the best IIFA ever,” actor Anil Kapoor, who has become a household name in both Hollywood and Bollywood, said at the press conference.

Madhuri Dixit Nene, dancer extraordinaire and classic beauty, said she has lived in Florida for two years and that it was a ‘gorgeous place’. “I can assure you Tampa Bay is a gorgeous place. It has got a lot to offer. People there will welcome you with a lot of warmth. I am honoured to be associated with them,” she said.

Saif Ali Khan and wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, one of Bollywood’s golden couples, said they will put their best foot forward and entertain their fans. “We live in divided times, but what brings us together is love for cinema. I am very excited about it,” Saif said.

Kareena added: “IIFA is the only Indian award which celebrates Indian cinema on a global platform. We are going to put our best foot forward and entertain our fans there.”

The first set of star performers at the IIFA weekend  — to be held April 23-26  — includes Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonakshi Sinha among others. The IIFA awards will be hosted by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2014.

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