Is IIFA Awards 2011 Sold Out?

Is IIFA Awards 2011 Sold Out?: We can almost hear a collective sigh, shrill and shriek from miles away to close at home.

The second batch of tickets for IIFA 2011 went on sale to the public yesterday afternoon, and the eagerly awaited tickets went fast and they went furious. Come one, come all the new block of tickets had people glued and queued.

Word is now trickling in that the show may already be sold out with the director of IIFA Viraf Sarkari posting on twitter, “Over 15,000 tickets sold in 10 minutes. We are totally sold out today 6 months before show date. Thank you Fans. God Bless IIFA.”

Though this does not come as a surprise, many who have been endlessly trying for tickets could be and would be disappointed.

For those of you who remain ticketless - hang in there and keep those fingers crossed!

Preity Zinta, Anil Kapoor at IIFA 2011 Toronto Launching - Photos

Preity Zinta, Anil Kapoor at IIFA 2011 Toronto Launching - Photos:

Preity Zinta and Anil Kapoor Launch IIFA 2011 Toronto:

Preity Zinta, Anil Kapoor at IIFA 2011 Toronto Launching - Photos

Shahrukh Khan will returne into the IIFA Awards 2011?

Shahrukh Khan will returne into the IIFA Awards 2011?: It was a legendary drop-out or opt-out whichever one you prefer to go with, the Bachchan - IIFA disassociation came as a startling surprise for Bollywood Crazies.

Following this unfortunate development, AB Baby and Mrs while at the unveiling of Stardust's latest issue featuring them retorted to journo inquiries on the matter with Abhishek jointly saying on behalf of the couple, "If I am free, I will think about it, but my primary focus is movies."

After all the B buzz, it's now appears the spotlight is shifting from the B's to the K's - the Khans that is.

There's strong buzz gathering that after a long absence from the International Indian Academy Awards (IIFA), Shah Rukh Khan may return to the IIFA awards weekend this year not just as a star attendee but a potential host.

Rumours are also rife that Salman Khan, who played a imminently visible role at last year's awards in Colombo Sri Lanka is possibly coming to town as well.

They may not see eye to eye, but Toronto's undoubtedly eying a potential Khan reunion!

IIFA Awards 2011 tickets on sale!

IIFA Awards 2011 tickets on sale!: At noon today, tickets for IIFA 2011 went on sale to the general public. The day had finally come to purchase tickets to the most awaited event in Toronto this year.

By 2:00pm today another story was beginning to unfold. The IIFA award tickets were much higher in demand than anyone expected. And by 3:00pm today people anxiously awaiting the show were finding it increasingly difficult to get their hands on tickets. The popularity of the big show had tickets selling out fast.

Not only were we being flooded with phone calls, emails and questions of concern, but our website was being flooded with hopefuls that thought Filmicafe was the way to IIFA tickets. Unfortunately that was not the case. Hopefully a second batch of tickets will save The day for those who are still searching.

So, Cheers to those of you who got a hold of tickets. And for those who didn't, keep on trying!

Amitabh Bachchan's No for IIFA brand ambassador

Amitabh Bachchan's No for IIFA brand ambassador: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been the brand ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards since their inception in 2000, will no longer perform the role - and the concept itself has been dropped.

"Due to unexplainable reasons, after announcing the event, Mr. Bachchan couldn’t participate in the IIFA Weekend in Sri Lanka last year. Following this, IIFA aborted the concept of a Brand Ambassador," Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft entertainment that organizes the event, said in a statement.

"Keeping in mind the huge respect that Wizcraft and IIFA have for Mr. Bachchan and the deep relationship that we’ve always shared, we are not having anyone replace Mr. Bachchan."

"The Bachchan family has been an intrinsic part of IIFA every year, and in this regard we have already shared with them a proposal about their participation this year too. Mr Bachchan’s reason for non-participation is best known to him. IIFA and Mr.Bachchan are inseparable. We will continue to pursue his participation for this year too," Joseph said.

However, there could be more to this than meets the eye as Amitabh confirmed the parting of ways on his Twitter account but put the onus on the IIFA. Tweeting, “Not coming to Toronto IIFA…IIFA says my services are not required.”

Bachchan's family boycott IIFA Awards 2011 at Toronto

Bachchan's family boycott IIFA Awards 2011 at Toronto: It's the season of awards in B'town. And amongst all the winning and losing, celebrating and griping - it's absence and not presence that is gripping headlines, more so than whose walking away with the trophies.

If tweeting and twittering is to go by then the first family of Bollywood, Bachchan Junior and Senior with family won't be making an appearance at the 2011 International Indian Film Academy Awards a.k.a IIFA Awards to be held in Toronto this year.

The head of the B'clan, Amitabh Bachchan posted the following message to his legions of followers on twitter saying, "We are not coming to IIFA. IIFA said our services are not required!"

The development does come as a bit of surprise as the Bachchans have had a long association with IIFA and are perceived by many to be Ambassadors of the awards.

Surely they'll be sourly missed!

IIFA Awards 2011 venue at Toronto

IIFA Awards 2011 venue at Toronto: The trademark green carpet will be laid out as the superstars of Indian cinema descend upon Canada for an unforgettable weekend of cinematic magic and glitz galore.

The capital city of Ontario, Canada also known as Bollywood North is gearing up full steam as it becomes the first North American city to host the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards.

The IIFA itinerary is set to include a Film Festival, Film Workshop, Film premiere, Global Business Forum, Fashion Extravaganza along with various Film briefings and Post Parties. Fringe activities are also to take place in parts of Brampton and Mississauga. The IIFA Weekend escalates to a grand finale, the IIFA Awards on the concluding night capping a three-day celebration of Indian Cinema.

A big city with a small town and homely feel, Toronto has a large Indo-Canadian and Asian population. Known for its cultural, entertainment and metropolitan scene, the city annually hosts one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world - the Toronto International Film Festival where films from all over the world are showcased including featured presentations from India. Last year's festival premiered Kiran Rao's Dhobi Ghat and Anurag Kashyap's That Girl in Yellow Boots.

Having traveled to over 9 countries and 3 continents in the last decade, it will be IIFA’s North American Premiere in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. The first IIFA Awards were held at the Millennium Dome in London in 2000 and have gone on to cities like Sun City, Dubai, Amsterdam, Singapore, Yorkshire amongst others, with the most recent being celebrated in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Speaking on hosting IIFA 2011 in Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario shared, “Ontario is thrilled to host the 2011 International Indian Academy Awards. I thank IIFA for the great honor of hosting the weekend in Toronto. With so many film buffs living in Ontario, Indian film stars and executives will feel right at home. We look forward to an eventful and successful Weekend and Awards.”