What to expect at the IIFA this year

The International Indian Film Academy is a first-of-its-kind effort to promote Indian cinema globally, thus reaching out to millions of its fans. An annual event, it honours its talents with an awards night show fun-filled with performances from various artists to represent not only their work, but also to promote Bollywood on alien shores.

IIFA AwardsPREVIOUSLY, starting with the Millennium Dome, London, IIFA has traveled through Sun City, Malaysia, Johannesburg, Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Yorkshire. This year the gala event is being held in Macau.

What is the schedule of the event?

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will unfurl in the exotic locale of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel in Macau, China. The 10th edition of IIFA will be held at the picturesque resort during June 11 – 13, 2009.

Which Celebs are NOT attending IIFA?

Here’s the lowdown first, superstars Shahrukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar, have both used the family vacation bahana to not show up at the awards function event. A source close to the Kumar family reveals, Akki had worked out his summer vacation schedule to make time for his son Aarav, and despite the organizers promising both heaven and earth, Akshay will not budge.”

We smell a rat there. Seems, like the previous IIFA events in the past, which have become a Bachchan parivaar extravaganza, none of the major stars want to be over-shadowed by the luminaries.

Take the case of Shahrukh Khan, who has been quoted in the media, being non-committal to his presence at the show.

Who is attending? You must have guessed by now!

Which Celebs have backed out of their IIFA performance?

Bebolicious Kareena Kapoor was supposed to perform Marjani from Billu at the IIFA 2009 ceremony, but she has reportedly dumped the idea. Why you ask?

She obviously wanted to be the event opener and the one to close it with her dhamakedaar performances but since Big B is the brand ambassador and the key performance spots are booked for the khaandaan, she had to re-think her decision.

She decided to jump out of the fray and join beau Saif Ali Khan to watch the T20 event in England. IIFA show organizers have surely been fed a healthy dose of Bebo-ism.

After Bebo, ex beau Shahid Kapur, followed suit. Since his break-up with Priyanka, they too have decided not to perform at the event, where they were supposed to be the hottest item on the menu.

They were due to do a medley number on their Kaminay numbers, which would have been a treat.

"I was looking forward to performing at IIFA and showcasing Kaminay. However, my commitment to my producer has to be honored. I regret being unable to attend this year, " Shahid quoted in a statement.

Producers of the show have been sorely missing on masala this year.

What to look forward to tomorrow?

We will tell you who is performing apart from the Bachchans. Which film will unveil its first look at IIFA?

Find out, as StarBoxOffice brings you that and all the gossip tomorrow.

Bollywood to bring on the heat at Macau

IIFA 2009 is just around the corner! With the schedule for the much-awaited event out now, it looks like Bollywood is going to make its mark in Macau, the picturesque place which is host to the 10th year of the IIFA awards.

Amitabh, Abhishek, AishwaryaComedy kings Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh would be hosting the event, in co-ordination with the beautiful Lara Dutta. Each of them we know as top class communicators. Lara we know as a great orator, and is witty. And when it comes to witty and humourours, Boman and Riteish have established their ground in this space.

The event organizers are all set to have a lot of drama on the stage. On one hand, they have Aishwarya Rai-Bachchhan - who created waves dancing to the tunes of Kajra Re at IIFA 2005 at Amsterdam. And where Ash is, Abhi would surely follow! Maybe Pa and Ma should join in and create the Kajra Re magic again. And on the other hand, the surprise element comes with someone who is going to make her stage debut at the event… none other than the Delhi 6 gal Sonam Kapoor! We hope all the Cannes catfights will be forgiven and forgotten. The drama that we can forsee cant get better than this - Kareena Kapoor is scheduled to perform a belly dance to a Turkish-Arabian song. And guess who will also be on stage - the very spoken about love birds Priyanka Chopra-Shahid Kapoor are to perform to a song from their upcoming film Kaminey.

The other highlight of the event is a special award that has been added by IIFA to commemorate the completion of a decade – The Videocon IIFA Golden Decade Honours. Five different categories have been made for the same, including Star of the Decade (Male and Female), Movie of the Decade, Music of the Decade and Director of the Decade, so as to honour the best of Bollywood over the past 10 years.

Speaking about the occasion, IIFA Brand Ambassador Amitabh Bachchhan says, “I am delighted to see IIFA celebrate its 10th year. The Indian and international reception to IIFA has grown over the years, cementing its position as a significant larger than life phenomenon. This year at IDEA IIFA Awards, we pay tribute to the greats of Indian cinema through the Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Videocon Golden Decade Honours. We are committed to presenting the talent India has to offer, while giving audiences a chance to experience their film favourites.”

We look forward to a spectacular show of Bollywood at Macau soon, as always!

Shahid-Priyanka's pyaar impossible

Ever since Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra got into a romantic relationship, there have been more stories about their split, than their togetherness.

The main problem has been their conflicting personalities. Priyanka loves her independence, working hard and playing harder while Shahid is possessive and leads a disciplined life.

Now, once again we are hearing about trouble between them and Priyanka getting tired of being constantly told what to do and what not by Shahid.

Priyanka is in Bangkok for the shooting of “Pyaar Impossible” and there have been constant reports of how she’s partying and having wild fun.

Though Shahid has not accompanied her, he is said to be keeping a tab on her by calling her constantly. Priyanka has reportedly even avoided his calls by saying she is busy. However, when Shahid continued calling her, she is said to have turned on the speaker of her mobile phone, letting everyone listen to Shahid’s talks.

This understandably embarrassed Shahid and he is said to have backed off, at least for the time being.

Tamasha and Hungama at Karan's Birthday Bash

If the film industry were the United Nations, Karan Johar would be the Secretary-General. A self-confessed people person who loves nothing better than to bring warring factors together and to get everyone to kiss and make up, he has become, at the young age of 37, a sort of father figure to the entire acting fraternity. (Much like his father Yash Johar was, to the previous generation.)

Not surprising then that at his birthday party on Monday night (Tuesday morning actually, considering it wound up only at 4.30am), lots of drama happened. Given that one-half of the industry studiously avoids the second half because of real and perceived grievances while many sit in the lap of most, the party was not without its dramatic and memorable ones.Saif Ali Khan was dressed the most nattily in waistcoat and muffler. Hrithik Roshan came in casuals.

Among the directors who attended were Farhan Akhtar, Nikhil Advani, Rensil D'Silva and Kunal Kohli. Shah Rukh Khan was formally dressed, while youngsters Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan wore jackets.

Though Salman Khan didn't attend, his brothers did. Karisma Kapoor accompanied Saif and Kareena.

Aamir Khan sent a bouquet.Not surprisingly, the sushi was a big hit. After all, these are some of the fittest people in this country.

Aishwarya Rai married into the Bachchan-Kapoor feud that started when the Abhishek Bachchan-Karisma Kapoor engagement was called off, giving wing to many a nasty rumour fuelled by the fact that Abhishek and Kareena didn't work together again. But with Kareena wishing wistfully that Abhishek would find some room in his heart for her and Aishwarya wishing to let bygones be bygones, it was wonderful to see the two lovely ladies catch up at the party and then spend the night dancing away.

Abhishek, meanwhile, was whisked away to the corner by Karan, where Shah Rukh was seated, thus also ending the Bachchan-SRK cold war.

While all the bonhomie (above) was happening, Vidya Balan and Shahid Kapur were reconnecting. Though they came separately, they left together.

Some people went to great lengths(literally) to avoid former friends. When Vivek Oberoi arrived, Aishwarya moved to another corner.

On the other hand, when Shahid arrived, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena were cool.

Shahid Kapur finds new interest

Actor Shahid Kapur, who had taken a fancy to bikes and splurged Rs.1.5 million on one, has now found a new interest. He has been attracted to photography.

Shahid has purchased a new expensive camera, the D50 from Cannon.

"Cameras are not allowed on sets usually. But, lately Ken Ghosh and Ahmad Khan get blinded by flashes on the sets of one of Shahid's ventures, only to realise that it was none other than the actor taking candid shots without their knowledge, much to the unit's amusement," said a source.

Apart from Ghosh's untitled film, the actor is also busy shooting for Vishal Bharadwaj's "Kaminey" with Priyanka Chopra.

What Shahid wants in his woman

Actor rarely talks about his personal life, he just did!

Post his much public break-up with Kareena, Shahid Kapur clamped up about his personal life.

While Kareena widely and openly spoke and gushed about current boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, Shahid rarely opened his mouth about the women in his life.

Vidya Balan, Sania Mirza and now Priyanka Chopra… there has been a steady speculation about his love interests, but there has yet not been any confirmation from his side.

Much to our relief, he has finally shed light on the subject. In an interview with a Mumbai newspaper, Shahid has spoken about Priyanka, Kareena and the qualities he seeks in his woman.

Asked if he and Priyanka are a couple, this is what he said: “I have not spoken about my private life for the last two years and will continue not to do so. All I am going to say is that I am not going to make an effort to hide a relationship. When there is something substantial, people will know about it.

“There's very little as an actor that you can keep to yourself, and this is an area which I would like to keep to myself. At the same time I would not like to be a hypocrite and hide it…. But when I feel that there is something that I am sure of I will speak about it. It doesn't mean there's something between me and Priyanka that I am not sure of.”

And for all those who are in love with him, here’s a little tip.

Shahid likes women who are real, honest, sensitive, have a sense of humour and have a sense of loyalty.

“I think if you have these four or five basics in place, you can make any relationship work,” he said.

“When those basics are strong, then the relationship is strong. That's how I look at relationships. Both people have to want it as much, and when the basics are strong, you can ride any storm. Both people have to want to make the relationship work as much.”

What is he willing to give in a relationship? After all, he’s often branded as being a control freak.

“I'm ready to give anything to a relationship as long as I'm not expected to change beyond what my basic nature is. Every relationship needs adjustment and understanding and you have to be ready to do that. But as long as you don't end up changing yourself as the basic person you were, because then you'll be unhappy,” said Shahid.

“Apart from that, anything it takes! I'm always someone who's looking for longevity. I think you must never get into a relationship expecting it to culminate, only, you should know that there is a possibility of culmination.”

Shahid Kapur signs another Yash Raj film

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur seems to have become Yash Raj Films' (YRF) favourite. His first venture with the production giant is yet to hit the screens, but the actor has already signed another film with the banner.

Shahid's first film with YRF is being directed by Anurag Singh. He has teamed up with Rani Mukerji in the film, which was earlier titled "Hadippa", which is said to be about cricket.

The second project that Shahid has been signed up for will be actor Parmeet Sethi's directorial debut and he teams up with Anushka Sharma of "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" fame.

"The Yash Raj camp sees Shahid as the classic romantic hero who has the potential to turn on the sexy or rugged vibe when required," said a source close to the actor.

Everyone is searching for Shahid!

He is the most Googled among young actors

After Deepika emerged as the most searched word in the entertainment category on the Yahoo India website, beating Kareena, Katrina and Priyanka, it is now Shahid Kapur who has taken the lead among the young actors.

According to a recent survey, Shahid is the most Googled name among the young actors, surpassing the likes of Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan.

Shahid’s character in “Jab We Met” made him an icon among the youth. And now, the actor has changed his by-next-door image for his upcoming film “Kaminey”, in which he sports long hair and a goatee.

This new look is likely to further increase his popularity, especially among his female fans.

While “Kaminey” is ready for release, Shahid is now shooting for “Haddippa” opposite Rani Mukherji and Ken Ghosh’s “Yahoo” with Genelia D’Souza.

Shahid fails to get Justin's groove

Shahid Kapur's demand for change in a music video has been shot down.

Shahid wanted the change in the video for the movie Hadippa. It features him and Rani Mukherji and Shahid thought the pace of the song was wrong. He wanted it in Justin Timberlake's hip-hop style and told director Anurag Singh this, but Singh told him to forget about it, saying that Aditya Chopra had already approved the tune.

Shahid stood his ground and the matter went to Aditya Chopra, who heard him out but did not change. Oh well, at least Katrina got her way with him when she demanded, successfully, that she be given more costume changes in one song.

Priyanka-Shahid go thanda after Butler fight

All’s quiet on the Shahid-Priyanka front. The latest love birds of Bollywood are currently going through a very rough patch, according to close friends.

The problem, quickly put, is this: Priyanka had a party for 300 star Gerard Butler. This by itself was OK with Shahid, and he was present at the party, as he would be, since they have become quite close. He was upset with two things, say people close to Priyanka.

The first thing was her drinking at the party. This is something he disapproves of generally, having become a vegetarian teetotaler himself. But in her case, he's also concerned because she's just out of hospital, having been cured of an infection.

The thing that really got his goat, however, was his belief that her camp has been planting stories of a relationship between her and Butler, where no such thing exists. Shahid doesn't think there is any fire to this smoke either: he understands that it's just talk to get her publicity. But her disavowal of Butler's "proposal" hasn't been coming, and she hasn't even laughed it off, as she'd be expected to do to, fanning the flames further. Priyanka has been showing his sulky SMSes to her camp, asking them what she should do next, now that their advice had thrown up this problem.

“Shahid is a very private person. Even when he was dating Kareena, Shahid did not speak about the relationship or try to use it to get mileage in the media," said a Priyanka-wallah, who insists that he was one of the people to advise against the Butler stunt. "He had spoken to Priyanka not to go overboard with her association with Butler in the media. But the day articles about Butler proposing to Priyanka came out, Shahid was furious. He told her not to be a part of any such publicity. However, she refused to back down.” Possible, because the coverage was delicious. Later, Priyanka attended Shah Rukh’s party for Butler, but Shahid wasn’t invited for it.

Priyanka has been trying to convince Shahid to forget about the Butler encounter, saying that there was no more to it. “She needs to know that Shahid is very strong with his opinions and beliefs. If he says something he expects the person to follow through,” our source said.

He dismissed any talk of Shahid responding to any comment from Kareena, saying that this was nonsense. "He's a gentleman of the first order. He does not talk about his women," he said.

Bollywood Stars who gave Voting Day a miss

Thursday (30^th April) saw quite a few Bollywood bigwigs take out time from their busy schedule to cast their vote for the Elections. The ballot centres in Bandra, Juhu and Andheri areas of Mumbai saw stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, the Bachchan parivaar, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, John Abraham, Vidya Balan, Farhan Akhtar etc. troop in to cast their vote. However, there were quite a few B-town celebs, who in spite of being pretty active in asking people to vote decided to give the V-Day (Voting Day) a miss themselves. We brings you a list of a few Bollywood stars 'Jo Bolte Kuch Hai Aur Karte Kuch Hain'

Kareena Kapoor

Kareena was part of the special video created by Karan Johar and Tarun Mansukhani encouraging citizens to go and vote. However, when the V-day came, Bebo was nowhere in the picture. Apparently, Kareena is shooting for Karan Johar's production along with Saif Ali Khan and Vivek Oberoi in the US of A and hence couldn't make it. Well, that certainly doesn't count as an excuse cos if Aamir and Shah Rukh could fly down from US and South Africa respectively for casting their Vote, Kareena surely could have. This is one Tashan of Bebo which failed to impress us one bit.

Shahid Kapoor

Kareena's once-upon-a- time 'good friend' Shahid Kapoor also didn't make it to cast his Vote and this despite him being in town. We really don't know the reason why but considering Shahid's 'good friend' Priyanka Chopra was also missing, we cant help but wonder if they were upto something Chup Chup Ke.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra was full of emotions encouraging people to go and vote in the special video created by Karan Johar and Tarun Mansukhani. However, when the V-Day came, the actress was conspicuous by her absence. PC…we all are keen to know more on What's your Reason rather than What's Your Raashee?

Salman Khan

Sallu was here, there and everywhere during the pre-election campaigning; hence it was indeed extremely surprising that the actor after encouraging people to go and Vote decided to give V-day a miss himself. The actor apparently was busy shooting in London for his film Veer at a time when he was most 'Wanted' in Mumbai to cast his vote.

Imran Khan

It was Imran Khan who came up with the idea of making a special video asking people to vote. Imran along with Karan Johar and Tarun Mansukhani gathered some of B-town's biggest stars for this initiative but when it was his time to Vote, Imran himself couldn't get his finger inked. The Reason: Imran was not eligible as he is an American citizen. Poor Imran indeed couldn't practice what he preached so hard.

Preity Zinta & Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood beauties Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty also didn't make it to cast their vote. They were busy cheering their respective teams 'Kings XI Punjab' and 'Rajasthan Royals' at the on-going IPL matches in South Africa. Looks like they didn't realize that the opportunity to vote comes only once in 5 years unlike the IPL which is an annual event

Deepika Padukone and Asin

The South Indian babes Deepika Padukone and Asin couldn't vote in Mumbai as Deepika is originally from Bangalore while Asin is from Kerala. Hope these two beauties at least have voted in their respective home town.

Akshay Kumar

Akki was among the other B-town celebs who gave Voting a miss. The star was busy shooting for Priyadarshan's film De Dhana Dhan in Singapore. Akki when you can travel from Chandni Chowk to China in 3 hours you surely could have come down from Singapore to Mumbai and exercised your right to vote as a responsible citizen.

Ajay Devgan and Kajol

Probably the biggest shocker comes in the form of Ajay Devgan and Kajol who were busy holidaying in Goa and didn't find it necessary to come down and cast their vote. Ajay what's the point in doing a film on Rajniti when you can't even come and vote for the leaders in whose hands lies the future of our country?

Shahid-Kareena film likely to release soon

Kareena Kapoor and her ex-beau Shahid Kapur were a hit pair in "Jab We Met" and the actress says they won't disappoint fans as an on-screen couple in their much delayed "Milenge Milenge" either.

"I know people have expectations from us individually and as a pair. And they won't be disappointed. It's a very sweet film. And not dated at all though it got delayed. I'm as proud of 'Milenge Milenge' as I am of any of my films," said Kareena, who is currently dating actor Saif Ali Khan.

The romantic comedy by director Satish Kaushik has been in the making since 2005.

Defying all talk that she has been sidelining her only pending assignment with Shahid, Kareena said she had been running in and out of the studio to complete the dubbing before she leaves for a shoot in New York.

"We're all professionals here. For me it doesn't matter who the leading man in 'Milenge Milenge' is. For me what is important is that I made a commitment to two of my favourite people in the industry - producer Boney Kapoor and director Satish Kaushik - who've stood by me from the beginning of my career. How can I let them down? Boney wants a summer release for his film. I've to complete my dubbing before I leave," said Kareena.

"I'm running in and out of two dubbing studios. I've already completed most of the dubbing," she added.

"Milenge Milenge" is special because the former couple will be seen together after Imtiaz Ali's lovable "Jab We Met" in 2007.

Kareena, Shahid are back in business

They might not be looking eye to eye but they won’t let their work suffer.

Before she could leave the country to begin shooting for Rensil D’silva’s film with current boyfriend, Saif Ali Khan, a very harrowed Kareena was running in and out of the dubbing studio to complete dubbing for Milenge Milenge which stars ex-flame Shahid Kapur as the leading man.

Putting rumours to rest, Kareena said that she only had a date issue and that she is a thorough professional. She does not want to disappoint her fans in any way.

Shahid gets Priyanka off booze

After her recent health scare, when she was admitted to hospital for a stomach infection, Priyanka Chopra has been strictly asked to go off alcohol. However, it’s not just the doctors but her boyfriend as well who has imposed this on her. Priyanka, who enjoys a drink or two occasionally, has been instructed by Shahid Kapur not touch alcohol for a while.

A source reveals, “Everyone close to PC know that she likes to drink. She never overdoes it, but when with close friends, she loves to have a glass of wine or champagne. But after she started dating Shahid, he disapproved of her taking to alcohol. Since he’s a strict vegetarian and doesn’t touch alcohol, he expects Priyanka to do the same.”

When Priyanka, also called Piggychops, was admitted to Dhirubhai Ambani complaining of food poisoning and stomach infection, Shahid was worried that it was be aggravated by alcohol. And he stepped in.

“Shahid had been advising Priyanka not to overstress herself. However, since she had given dates for Gowariker’s What’s Your Rashee?, there was no way she could back out. Shahid has also been asking Priyanka to start meditating and yoga as means to keep her mind relaxed.”

While Priyanka understands medicine - her father is a doctor - she has bowed to Shahid's wishes.

Interestingly, Shahid was also responsibe for Kareena turning vegetarian. “Shahid has the habit of imposing his lifestyle on people close to him. Earlier it was Bebo and now he’s doing the same with Priyanka. Even though Priyanka has promised she will give up alcohol, only time will tell if she actually sticks to his ultimatum!”

Shahid gets Priyanka off booze

After her recent health scare, when she was admitted to hospital for a stomach infection, Priyanka Chopra has been strictly asked to go off alcohol. However, it’s not just the doctors but her boyfriend as well who has imposed this on her. Priyanka, who enjoys a drink or two occasionally, has been instructed by Shahid Kapur not touch alcohol for a while.

A source reveals, “Everyone close to PC know that she likes to drink. She never overdoes it, but when with close friends, she loves to have a glass of wine or champagne. But after she started dating Shahid, he disapproved of her taking to alcohol. Since he’s a strict vegetarian and doesn’t touch alcohol, he expects Priyanka to do the same.”

When Priyanka, also called Piggychops, was admitted to Dhirubhai Ambani complaining of food poisoning and stomach infection, Shahid was worried that it was be aggravated by alcohol. And he stepped in.

“Shahid had been advising Priyanka not to overstress herself. However, since she had given dates for Gowariker’s What’s Your Rashee?, there was no way she could back out. Shahid has also been asking Priyanka to start meditating and yoga as means to keep her mind relaxed.”

While Priyanka understands medicine - her father is a doctor - she has bowed to Shahid's wishes.

Interestingly, Shahid was also responsibe for Kareena turning vegetarian. “Shahid has the habit of imposing his lifestyle on people close to him. Earlier it was Bebo and now he’s doing the same with Priyanka. Even though Priyanka has promised she will give up alcohol, only time will tell if she actually sticks to his ultimatum!”

Dostana director hosts star-studded birthday bash

Director Tarun Mansukhani of "Dostana" fame celebrated his birthday in style and quite a few members of the Bollywood glitteratti dropped in to wish him.

The party Thursday saw the likes of Karan Johar, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapur. Director-choreographer Farah Khan came with husband Shirish Kunder and also present were Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol and designer Manish Malhotra among a host of others, an industry source said.

John Abraham also marked his attendance at the do and was soon joined by beau Bipasha Basu as well.

Indian Paparazzi: Priyanka,Shahid spotted at Tarun Mansukhani's birthday Party

Getting to know Kaminey...

Preview of Shahid and Priyanka's new film

Schedule to release on June 5, 2009, director Vishal Bhardwaj’s latest venture “Kaminey” stars Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra along with Amole Gupte.

“Kaminey” features Shahid Kapur in a double role for the first time in his career. He would be seen sporting a completely new bronzed and rugged look in the film.

Guddu and Charlie, Shahid's two characters in the film, are completely opposite from each other. While Charlie has a lisp, Guddu would be seen stammering.

An interesting aspect of “Kaminey” is the fresh pairing of Shahid and Priyanka Chopra. The two actors share screen space for the first time and there is immense curiosity about their on screen chemistry amid rumours of a real-life romance.

Priyanka, who is currently on a high after her award winning act in “Fashion” and “Dostana”, would be seen in a completely different get-up this time round.

She plays Sweety, a simple Maharashtrian girl, and hence would be seen dressed in simple Indian dresses. The actress has even spoken quite a lot of Marathi in the film.

Amole Gupte, who wrote the story and screenplay of “Taare Zameen Par” makes his acting debut with this film. Amole would be seen as a comical don called Bhope Bhau who has quite a menacing laugh.