Amitabh Bachchan won’t attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Toronto, Canada this year despite him being associated with the awards as a brand ambassador. Sources reveal that the Big B is upset with organisers Wizcraft for not inviting his family to the function for two years in a row. When his family didn’t attend the awards in Sri Lanka last year, speculation was rife that it was due to the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce coming out with a statement that Southern stars and filmmakers would boycott all Bollywood stars who attended the IIFA in Sri Lanka.
However, Big B makes it clear that it has nothing to do with the moral stand. Speaking his mind on his Twitter page, he shares, “We are not coming to IIFA… IIFA said our services are not required!! It’s not me; it’s the organizers of IIFA that do not want me in Toronto. SriLanka was the same.” It is believed that Wizcraft wants to terminate Bachchan’s role as the ambassador and find another actor, which is why they haven’t asked him to represent the brand this year.
When contacted, IIFA director Sabbas Joseph maintains, “Due to unexplainable reasons, after announcing the event as Brand Ambassador, Mr. Bachchan couldn’t participate in the event in Sri Lanka last year. Following this, IIFA aborted the concept of a ‘Brand Ambassador’. The Bachchan family has been an intrinsic part of the awards 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.”
