Toronto to host 2011 IIFA Awards

The 12th edition of the IIFA awards will take place in Toronto, which has become the first North American city to host the glittering ceremony, popularly known as the Oscars of Bollywood.

The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) takes place in a different world city each year. The ceremony caps off a four-day festival that traditionally features a film festival and industry forum. Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan is the IIFA brand ambassador.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty in a statement said he was "thrilled" with the decision of the IIFA.

"With so many film buffs living in Ontario, Indian film stars and executives will feel right at home," McGuinty, who is leading a trade mission to India, said.

"Our standing as the host of the Toronto International Film Festival put us in really good stead. We have the know-how, we've got the experience and we've got the infrastructure. It's really quite an honour for us to score this coup," he said.

The event will cap a four-day celebration of everything to do with Indian films, including a film festival and industry forum, to be held in Toronto from June 16-19.

Bollywood fans are expected to come out in big numbers for the event, said McGuinty.

"It brings a viewing audience in excess of 350 million to say nothing of 60,000 tourists who are drawn to this, and the 500 or so stars and producers and the like," he said.

ALSO READ

Michael Jackson not biological father of his children?

I am single, says Sonam Kapoor

Salman Khan sends water to drought affected regions in Maharashtra

Sanjay Dutt lends his support to NGO