NEW DELHI: It was a starry night in the national capital on Thursday as Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar and Diya Mirza, along with several others, reached Delhi for the inaugural press conference of the upcoming 19th edition of the International Indian Film and Academy (IIFA).
The gala will be held June 22-24 at the Siam Niramit Theatre, which is adorned by Thailand’s heritage, art and culture and hosts the country’s most popular theatre productions. The IIFA Rocks, a musical night which precedes the IIFA Awards ceremony night, will be co-hosted by Ayushmann Khurrana and Katrik Aaryan. Adding a unique charm to the event will be composer Pritam.
Ranbir, who will host as well as perform at the event, claimed he is very nervous when he performs in front of a live audience. “I am very nervous when I dance. When we dance for films there is a camera and there are takes but when you dance for a live audience there is just that one take so you have to give your best. There are no cuts. I want to rehearse more because I want to better myself,” Ranbir said.
The 19th edition of IIFA is returning back to Bangkok, Thailand after a decade. Ranbir said he was extremely excited for this edition. “Bangkok is the place where I first won my IIFA award for my debut film Saawariya. I am looking forward,” he said.
Karan, who was one of the hosts for the 18th edition of IIFA, will again reprise his role as a presenter this year. He said that this year the event will be grander as several Bollywood stars will be seen performing. “I think the IIFA stage is always the most glamorous. It is large and has all the epicness… Also this year we have so many performances… We have Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor and many other movie stars who are going to light up the stage in Bangkok and I can’t wait to get back,” the filmmaker said.
When asked what were the lessons he has learnt from last year’s IIFA ceremony and his famous nepotism rocks remark, the filmmaker said: “To keep my mouth shut and open it only when the teleprompter comes out and not give my vishesh tippani on anything on the stage.”
Asked who hosts the best after parties, Karan said: “It’s always Salman Khan, who has the best after parties. He is definitely the man who brings everyone together in one room. So every time there’s IIFA and Salman is there, there’s always a big after party in his room.”
Shahid, who will be performing and seen as a host at the three-day gala, which will be held on June 22-24 at the Siam Niramit Theatre in Bangkok, said he was not sure if his wife Mira Kapoor and daughter Misha would join him. “I’d definitely be there,” he said.
