NOMINATIONS FOR The Idea IIFA AWARDS 2006

[gigteam]

The excitement begins....

PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS RELEASES
NOMINATIONS FOR The Idea IIFA AWARDS 2006

Voting for Popular Awards begins

[/center]

Mumbai, May 2, 2006: PriceWaterhouseCoopers today announced the nominations for Idea IIFA Awards 2006. The Idea IIFA Awards Nominations envelope was presented by Mr. Partha Ghosh, Senior Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the same were released by the IIFA Management to the Media.


PriceWaterhouseCoopers released the Nominations for the Idea IIFA Awards 2006 as per the results of voting by the film industry. In a unique system, that involves film industry voting similar only to the Academy Awards, the nominations were derived from the IIFA Voting Weekend held in the first week of April. During the course of the week, the best talent from Indian cinema, including producers, actors, film directors, music directors, scriptwriters and singers cast their votes for the Popular and Technical awards. The nominations for the Popular Awards are now open for public voting, using the globally accessible www.msn.com/iifa and www.indya.com platforms. The voting process is monitored and audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, who are also the audit firm for the Oscars.

Launched seven years ago at the Millennium Dome (London), the Idea IIFA Awards presentation ceremony is the highpoint of a three-day extravaganza the IIFA Weekend Dubai being presented by Tiara Residence, a project by Zabeel Investments. The other events during the weekend will be the IIFA World Premiere Film, The FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, The IIFA Workshop and the IIFA Film Festival. The Weekend will showcase the best of Indian cinema and provide a platform for interaction between the Indian film industry and global media.

The main attractions of the four-day extravaganza the Tiara Residence IIFA Weekend in June 2006 will be the FICCI - IIFA Global Business Forum, IIFA World Premiere and IIFA Film Festival. The highpoint of the entire weekend will be the glamorous Idea IIFA Awards 2006 presentation ceremony to be held on 16th June 2006. This is the grandest tribute paid to Indian film talent in the history of Indian cinema. June 2006 will see the most high profile celebrities from Indian cinema visit the ultra modern business capital of the region ¡V Dubai to participate in the prestigious celebrations.

Nominees for Best Film at IIFA 2006:
„« Parineeta - The Married Woman
„« Iqbal
„« Black
„« Page 3
„« Bunty aur Bubli
„« No Entry

[gigteam]

Idea-IIFA Awards to be celebrated in Dubai
IIFA Weekend extravaganza goes to premier Free Trade Zone of the World

Mumbai, April 19, 2006: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced that the Idea IIFA Awards, the highlight of the IIFA Weekend would be held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, this year. Announcing this at a high-powered conference held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd revealed that the IIFA Weekend 2006 and the Idea IIFA Awards will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of the Emirates Group and Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Shopping Surprises.

As always, the IIFA Weekend promises to be packed with action, with a film festival, the world premiere of a blockbuster Indian film and the FICCI - IIFA Global Business Forum. With this Dubai-IIFA partnership bringing the biggest and the best of Indian Cinema and Indian Business to Dubai, it would mark the beginning of a new chapter in India-Gulf partnerships.

As Dubai - the leading commercial destination of the Middle East gets ready to play host to this prestigious event with the glitz and glamour of the entire Indian film industry, fans of Indian cinema across the world can look forward to exciting contests and win a lifetime opportunity to meet their favourite Indian film stars in Dubai. The IIFA Weekend will be held from June 14th to 17th, 2006 culminating with the glittering Idea IIFA Awards presentation ceremony on June 16, 2006 at the spectacular Airport Expo.

At the press conference, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Brand Ambassador of IIFA and India’s biggest superstar said, “The IIFA Awards have marked the beginning of a new era for recognizing and applauding the achievements of Indian Cinema. Regarded as one of the most credible award processes in India and abroad, I am proud to be associated with IIFA for the past seven years and my commitment is even more firm. I am looking forward to the celebrations in Dubai this year.”

On this 3 year association, Idea Cellular’s CEO – Vikram Mehmi, says, “IDEA IIFA offers us the best platform to demonstrate the true essence of mobile and entertainment convergence. With Idea IIFA there is an unmatched value we provide to our customers by providing them the three aspects of entertainment that engage them through the all powerful mobilephone. With IDEA IIFA, our privileged customer will have access to specially created merchandise, contests, video and MMS downloads and several other value added services. Only Idea can take you there.”
IIFA relayed across the world…

Star Network will broadcast the IIFA Weekend and the Idea IIFA Awards 2006 exclusively across the globe. Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Ajay Vidyasagar, Executive Vice-president, Marketing, STAR India said, “It is fitting that IIFA, which celebrates the emergence of Indian Cinema on a global platform, is partnering with STAR yet again. Post the success of IIFA last year, millions of viewers across India, UAE, Pakistan, USA, UK and South East Asia who Millions of viewers across India, US, UK and South East Asia who have chosen STAR Plus to be their preferred choice of Indian entertainment, are looking forward to IIFA in Dubai. We are proud to associate with IIFA and will work together to make this year’s event a truly memorable celebration of Indian Cinema and all our viewers.”

Mr. Saeed Al Nabouda, CEO, DSF/DSS said, “Being associated with the biggest, best and most glamorous events of the world of the world is an ideal venue to host the IIFA Weekend. The event will celebrate the age old ties between the two countries and take it a step further to promote cultural and social harmony as well as open new avenues of trade and commerce. It will indeed build camaraderie and brotherhood between the two countries and deepen their cultural bond.”

Expressing his pleasure on taking IIFA to Dubai, a business centre point, Wiz Sabbas Joseph said, “IIFA is going beyond just films and entertainment (the glamour aspect). It is providing a platform to the world to collaborate and further the business of cinema. With partners like Idea Cellular and Star TV network, IIFA forges ahead in the spheres of business, infrastructure, technology, films and post production, and other domains.”

IIFA surfs the Internet
MSN, in conjunction with the IIFA Academy have launched an exciting contest, which would bring winners from among the web community to the IIFA Weekend to participate in the action with the stars and discover the sights and joys of the Dubai.
Voting for the Idea-IIFA Awards – Popular Categories will commence on msn.co.in/iifa and Indya.com from April 25th and will continue till May 31st.

Watch IIFA in Dubai
As the official Destination Managers for the IIFA Weekend 2006, Dream Horizons has put together a series of packages for the Fans of the Indian Film Industry to come to Dubai and enjoy the exciting IIFA Weekend Festivities with the hospitality of the most happening Destination in the world, Dubai. For further information, please go to www.dreamshorizon.com or contact a leading Travel Agent in your region.

Launched five years ago at the Millennium Dome, London, the IIFA Movement has evolved from an awards presentation ceremony to a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the world of cinema – the IIFA Weekend. This event showcases the crème de la crème of Indian cinema and provides a platform for the Indian film fraternity to interact with the global film industry and media. The IIFA Awards is the grandest tribute paid to the world’s largest film industry and has attracted the stalwarts of both Indian and international cinema over the years, including Mira Nair, Shah Rukh Khan, Shekhar Kapur, Angelina Jolie, Kylie Minogue, Jackie Chan, Bo Derek, Barrie Osbourne, Las Ketchup, Thora Birch and Miranda Richardson.

About Idea Cellular Ltd.

As India's leading GSM Mobile Services operator, IDEA Cellular has licenses to operate in 11 circles. With a customer base of over 7 million, IDEA Cellular has operations in Delhi, Mahrashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, UP- West and Kerala. IDEA Cellular's footprint currently covers approximately 45% of India's population and over 50% of the potential telecom-market.

As a leader in Value Added Services, Innovation is central to IDEA's VAS Factory. It is the first cellular company to launch music messaging with 'Cellular Jockey', 'Global SMS' in over 540 networks across all technology platforms, a voice portal with 'Say IDEA' and a complete suite of Mobile Email Services. A frontrunner in introducing revolutionary tariff plans, IDEA Cellular has the distinction of offering the most customer friendly and competitive Pre Paid offerings, for the first time in India, with 'Eco Talk', 'Flexi-charge', 'Super Power', 2 Minutes Outgoing Free and other segmented offerings. 'Lifetime Idea' is the first and only loyalty program, for pre paid customers, introduced by a Cellular brand.

Customer Service and Innovation are the drivers of this Cellular Brand. Pay Easy which is bill payment through the effective use of the pre-paid channel, IDEA is the only operator in the world to launch this service With GPRS currently available on all its' networks, for both pre and post paid customers, IDEA Cellular is the first company to commercially launch next generation EDGE technology (a 3G technology) for its Delhi circle.

The latest feather in the IDEA cap is the GSM Association Award for Bill Flash; it has recently won making it the first cellular operator in India to win an award on an international platform. More about IDEA Cellular Ltd. at www.ideacellular.com

About STAR

STAR, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation, is Asia's leading multi-platform content and service provider. STAR's over 40 television services in seven languages reach more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR in India has captured the imagination of Indian audiences with gripping dramas, comedies, thrillers, path-breaking game shows, events and movies. STAR PLUS has been India's No. 1 cable channel for five consecutive years. The channel dominates every entertainment genre and time slot across the day, reaching over 65 million viewers every week.

About Emirates

Emirates, the Dubai based Airline, is the world's second most profitable and among the fastest growing and 20 largest international airlines. Emirates has won more than 280 major international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service. The airline operates services to more than 80 cities in 57 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Asia Pacific. Emirates serves India with 63 flights per week to 7 gateways. For further information visit Emirates online at www.emirates.com

About Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading event management company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage. Having begun its operations in 1988, Wizcraft has conceptualized and produced events staged in Mauritius, UK, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Iraq, Australia and Sri Lanka among others.
Wizcraft’s clientele comprises leading global corporates, governments of various countries and leading international entertainment and sports associations and celebrities.

The company is focused on providing Global Event Management Solutions at the doorstep of clients.

[Music PR]

IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza to be
glamour highlight of the IIFA Weekend in Dubai
Rosyblue to light up the IIFA ramp with the sparkle of exquisite diamond jewelry

Mumbai, June 1st, 2006: With the Idea IIFA Awards and the IIFA Weekend presented by Tiara Residence, just a fortnight away, the International Indian Film Academy today announced the IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza, brought to you by Rosyblue, on the 15th of June during the IIFA Weekend in Dubai. The event will have some of India’s leading models and celebrated Film stars walking the ramp and supporting the noble cause of the IIFA Foundation.

The IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza will be the first time the IIFA Foundation event will move from sports to fashion. A BLACK TIE evening presented by Rosyblue will be attended by the biggest stars of Indian Cinema, corporate chieftains and international dignitaries.
The two celebrated fashion designers from the cinema industry, Manish Malhotra and Vikram Phadnis will capture the beauty, passion and drama through their collections.

Both fashion presentations will have some of India’s biggest names modeling as well as stars from the Indian film fraternity coming together to express their solidarity and support.

The evening will also create history with a unique hand printing ceremony by superstars of Indian Cinema for the IIFA Wall of Fame. The hand prints will be a permanent fixture at the IIFA Wall of Fame in the Dubai Studio City.

The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza evening will be hosted by the beautiful and vivacious Dia Mirza.

Renowned film director, Karan Johar will also add a special, intimate surprise. Live on stage he will interview some of his film star friends including Anil Kapoor, Lara Dutta and Riteish Deshmukh. An electrifying performance by British Asian hip hop stars- Hunters.
But what will make the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza truly a sparkling event is the Rosyblue jewelry worn by the models and stars on the ramp. A special coolection is being designed by Rosyblue’s international jewelry designers, to match the collection being showcased by Manish Malhotra and Vikram Phadnis.

Speaking on the announcement conference of the IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza, Mr. Harshad Mehta, Rosyblue, said, “Rosyblue is proud to be associated with IIFA 2006. Both IIFA and the film industry as a whole, are always known to take up humanitarian causes, and we are pleased to do our bit and lend our support.” Mr. Vijay Jain. CEO, ORRA, said “ORRA is conscious of its social responsibility and it is great to see these beautiful Indian Film Stars with their beautiful hearts to come out and support this event. The stars will definitely add sparkle to the ORRA diamonds.”

In a special effort at associating with Indian cinema and the Indian fashion scene, the world-renowned M.A.C. cosmetics company will fly in more than 17 celebrated make-up artists from around the world to style the look for the IIFA fashion showing and the Red Carpet events. Frank Provost will focus on the hair.
The IIFA Foundation has for many years supported the behind the scenes workers of the Indian Film Fraternity. The IIFA Foundation instituted by the IIFA Management in 2003 raises funds to assist and support the families of deceased members of the Indian Film fraternity or those who are incapacitated whilst working for the production of a film. The IIFA Charity Foundation has been instituted in association with the IL&FS Foundation Company Ltd. (ITCL) who has helped form this charitable foundation to achieve the objectives of the IIFA Management.

The IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza is part of the IIFA Weekend presented by Tiara Residence in Dubai. The IIFA Weekend and Awards are being held Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman of Emirates Group, Chairman of Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises Supreme Committees, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival. The other events of the weekend include the IIFA World Premiere Film, the IIFA Workshop, the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, the IIFA Films festival, with the highlight of the Weekend being the Idea IIFA Awards. For more details on the Idea IIFA Awards, please go to www.iifa.com





Sponsor & Partner Details:

Tiara Residence by Zabeel Investments – Title Sponsor
Zabeel Investments is a multi-diversified investment company focused in the areas of commercial real estate development and management, private equity and asset management across a wide range of economic sectors in the UAE, GCC and overseas.

Idea Cellular
As India's leading GSM Mobile Services operator, IDEA Cellular has licenses to operate in 11 circles. With a customer base of over 7 million, IDEA Cellular has operations in Delhi, Mahrashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, UP- West and Kerala. IDEA Cellular's footprint currently covers approximately 45% of India's population and over 50% of the potential telecom-market.

As a leader in Value Added Services, Innovation is central to IDEA's VAS Factory. It is the first cellular company to launch music messaging with 'Cellular Jockey', 'Global SMS' in over 540 networks across all technology platforms, a voice portal with 'Say IDEA' and a complete suite of Mobile Email Services. A frontrunner in introducing revolutionary tariff plans, IDEA Cellular has the distinction of offering the most customer friendly and competitive Pre Paid offerings, for the first time in India, with 'Eco Talk', 'Flexi-charge', 'Super Power', 2 Minutes Outgoing Free and other segmented offerings. 'Lifetime Idea' is the first and only loyalty program, for pre paid customers, introduced by a Cellular brand.

Customer Service and Innovation are the drivers of this Cellular Brand. Pay Easy which is bill payment through the effective use of the pre-paid channel, IDEA is the only operator in the world to launch this service With GPRS currently available on all its' networks, for both pre and post paid customers, IDEA Cellular is the first company to commercially launch next generation EDGE technology (a 3G technology) for its Delhi circle.

The latest feather in the IDEA cap is the GSM Association Award for Bill Flash; it has recently won making it the first cellular operator in India to win an award on an international platform. More about IDEA Cellular Ltd. at www.ideacellular.com

STAR TV Network
STAR, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation, is Asia's leading multi-platform content and service provider. STAR's over 40 television services in seven languages reach more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR in India has captured the imagination of Indian audiences with gripping dramas, comedies, thrillers, path-breaking game shows, events and movies. STAR PLUS has been India's No. 1 cable channel for five consecutive years. The channel dominates every entertainment genre and time slot across the day, reaching over 65 million viewers every week.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading event management company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage. Having begun its operations in 1988, Wizcraft has conceptualized and produced events staged in Mauritius, UK, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Iraq, Australia and Sri Lanka among others.
Wizcraft’s clientele comprise leading global corporates, governments of various countries and leading international entertainment and sports associations and celebrities.
The company is focused on providing Global Event Management Solutions at the doorstep of its clients.

[Tony]

One of Hollywood’s hardest working and best loved action heros – Jean Claude Van Damme (Timecop. Universal Soldier) - is to attend this year’s International Indian Film Academy Awards.

The event, to be held in Dubai, is thrilled to be hosting Mr Van Damme – who as well as meeting the stars of today’s India Cinema will also be presenting the Best Actress Award at the awards ceremony on the 16th June.