IIFA – DEOL FAMILY & PRIYANKA CHOPRA TO STAR IN THE FLORIANA IIFA AWARDS DOUBLE DHAMAAL PREMIERE

19^th May, 2011, Mumbai: In a blockbuster start to the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend, DOUBLE DHAMAAL will open as the IIFA World Premiere film on Thursday, the 23^rd of June in Toronto, Canada.

The Weekend will conclude with the spectacular Floriana International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards where veteran actor, Dharmendra will perform alongside his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. Actress, Priyanka Chopra will also perform before a capacity audience at Rogers Centre.

The IIFA celebrations are being hosted and supported by the Ontario Government. The film, which is a sequel to the 2007 hit Dhamaal stars Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Deshmukh, Kangna Ranaut, Mallika Sherawat, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaaferi and Ashish Chaudhary. The comedy is produced by Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria in association with Reliance Entertainment. The stars and crew from the comedy were present at the press conference to announce the film’s premiere in Canada. 

The Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend will culminate with the glamorous 12^th Floriana IIFA Awards. In a special treat for cinema lovers, a thoroughly entertaining performance straight from the heart of Punjab will be put on by Indian Cinema actor, Dharmendra and his two sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. The three, having never performed together on the same stage will make it an even more thrilling act for fans to look forward to as they groove to the music from their recent hit, Yamla Pagla Deewana. 

Dharmendraji speaking on behalf of his family said, “IIFA is the most respected Awards and the glamourous presentation ceremony is something I look forward to every year. This year will be particularly special for me as I will be performing with my sons for the first time on a live stage. We hope our fans in Canada enjoy it.” 

Friend of IIFA, Priyanka Chopra said, “The IIFA stage is an exhilarating platform for any performer and Toronto is going to be unbelievable with over 12000 screaming fans in attendance. It is a great opportunity for me personally to represent Indian Cinema on such a large and international scale. I’m sure that this year’s IIFA is going to be a phenomenal success as it ventures into North America. ” 

“IIFA has travelled to ten countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of its people. With the premier of Double Dhamaal at IIFA, we will set yet another milestone in our endeavors to continue to take Indian Cinema to its fans. The Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend and the Floriana IIFA Awards 2011 will continue to provide the impetus for the crossover of Indian cinema to global audiences and delight the Indian diaspora with the grandest celebration of our cinema.”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director – Wizcraft International Entertainment. 

Partnering with IIFA for the first time, Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Floriana Group said, “It is a great privilege for us to present the Floriana IIFA Awards in Toronto this year. IIFA has taken a long journey around the world since 2000 and the Atlantic shores are a perfect place for the 12^th Floriana IIFA Awards. Floriana group has a rich tradition of heritage and quality and have always believed in partnering with like-minded brands. We believe brand IIFA offers us a phenomenal opportunity to deliver relevant messages to our consumers and international partners.” 

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Director – Videocon group says “We take pride in associating with IIFA for the last 3 Years. IIFA has been a pioneer in taking Indian Cinema globally.  This is in keeping with the pioneering status of Videocon d2h in the Indian DTH market through continuous product innovations and use of latest technology to make television viewing a better experience.  We have always been setting new precedents in the DTH market. The 3D innovation in DTH space by Videocon d2h has set a new benchmark in the industry. We believe our association with IIFA will be mutually rewarding”. 

Commenting on Star Network's seven year association with IIFA, Sanjay Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, STAR India Pvt Ltd said “IIFA is a magnificent celebration of Indian Cinema and over the years has become a landmark annual event for the Indian Film Industry to celebrate its success. Star Plus, the exclusive global broadcast partner of IIFA Awards for the last seven years, enables its viewers to catch the most exciting Indian Film awards extravaganza of the year. Through Star Plus, the 2011 IIFA Awards will reach out to more than 345 million viewers spread over 65 countries across the globe. Our viewers can experience the prestigious IIFA journey through multiple programmes that cover various events and interactions in Toronto – Canada.” 

Videocon D2H will present the IIFA Weekend, while Floriana will sponsor the IIFA Awards for the first time. Rotomac Pens, Lotus Herbal, Grey Goose & PVR Cinemas are the Associate Sponsors of the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend 2011 and Air India will partner with IIFA as the Official Airlines Partner. 

"Air India celebrates its association with Indian Cinema. Our film industry actors are our cultural ambassadors and we, the national carrier, do take genuine pride in flying them to Toronto for the International Indian Film Academy Weekend and Awards," says Mr. Arvind Jadhav, Chairman & Managing Director, Air India Ltd.

"Air India is proud to be associated as the official travel partner of IIFA, the Oscars of Bollywood," Mr Jadhav added.   

See more on the IIFA Awards