Toronto Awards 2011: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is dedicated to reaching out to millions of fans around the world to promote Indian cinema

IIFA and TIFF come together to showcase Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, a tribute to Hindi cinema legend, Raj Kapoor, in Toronto

IIFA AWARDS 2011 TORONTO - VIDEOS

IIFA and TIFF come together to showcase Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, a tribute to Hindi cinema legend, Raj Kapoor, in Toronto

Sharing the same passion for cinematic excellence, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) today announced their collaboration to host a tribute to the legend of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor, on the 26th of June in Toronto, post the 12th IIFA celebrations in Canada. The tribute will be followed by a retrospective film series called Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, which will run for six weeks at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, TIFF’s permanent home. The Gala opening on June 26 will be hosted by acclaimed director Karan Johar. This year the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend and Floriana Awards will be held in Toronto, Ontario from 23rd -25th June 2011.

Several members of the first family of Indian cinema, the Kapoor family attended the media interaction to lend their support to the tribute and retrospective. The legacy of Prithviraj Kapoor has been succeeded by three generations starting with Shammi, Shashi and Raj Kapoor. Raj’s sons Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv Kapoor enjoyed success in the industry and his grandchildren Ranbir, Kareena and Karishma Kapoor have subsequently carried on the Kapoor tradition of brilliant artistry and super stardom. The family shared sentiments regarding the retrospective and pledged to be a part of the tribute event in Canada, come June 2011.

Speaking on behalf of the family Randhir Kapoor said, “I am very touched by this gesture and would like to thank IIFA and TIFF for honouring the legacy of our father who lived for his work and who lives on through his work. He is a true legend and I believe that this retrospective is a great way to honour his memory.”

Rishi Kapoor added, “Our father was a great man both in his personal and professional life. His passion and love for cinema shines through in all his movies and he has made a place for himself in the hearts of cinema lovers all over India. I’m thrilled about this retrospective of his work and cannot wait to see it. He has always been a true inspiration for me.”

With a career spanning over five decades, Raj Kapoor achieved phenomenal success and became the youngest director of his time at age 24 when he opened his own studio, RK Films. Aptly called ‘The Showman of the Millenium’, Raj Kapoor won several awards and was nominated for the ‘Palme D’or’ at the Cannes Film Festival which is the highest honour awarded to competing films at the festival. He was also awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ and the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ for his contributions to Indian Cinema. It is the magnitude of his accomplishments and the impact that he’s had on the world of cinema that this tribute aims to portray.

Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft said, “Through IIFA we have strived over the years to bring Indian Cinema to its fans across the world while simultaneously giving Indian films an international platform. It is an honour to have the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest luminaries of Indian Cinema. The retrospective promises to be a brilliant showcase of Raj Kapoor and the magic he brought to the cinema screen.”

TIFF’s Artistic Director, Noah Cowan addressed the press to share how honoured TIFF was to play a part in showcasing this Festival. “We’re thrilled to be hosting a Raj Kapoor Tribute event at TIFF Bell Lightbox this June. TIFF offers a wide variety of year-round programming that allows audiences to engage with film, its history and its connection to contemporary culture. Kapoor fans are in for a treat with our retrospective film series which spans the career of this pioneer of Indian cinema.”

Canada’s largest metropolis is hosting IIFA’s 2011 celebration! This vibrant cosmopolitan city will feel like a home away from home for fans of South-Asian culture. Multiculturalism gives Toronto its colourful character, with more than 100 languages spoken here. Explore its diverse neighbourhoods, sample its ethnic cuisine and immerse yourself in its rich cultural legacy. Experience cultural events that are unparalleled, including the Toronto International Film Festival, the largest public film festival in the world.


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The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is dedicated to reaching out to millions of fans around the world to promote Indian cinema. Under the guidance of Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., IIFA tirelessly showcases the wealth of talent Indian Cinema has to offer, to the world.

The premier vehicle that puts Indian cinema in the world spotlight is the annual IIFA Weekend and Awards event. In 2011, we head to Toronto, and for good reason: besides being North America's third-largest centre for film and television production, the Greater Toronto Area is also home to almost 600,000 citizens who have roots in India and maintain close ties to Indian culture. The three-day celebration of Indian film and culture will take place June 23–25, 2011.

The IIFA Weekend and Awards consists of fun-filled activities that bring fans close to their favourite stars. The highlight of the weekend is the IIFA Awards Ceremony that honours the very best of Indian cinematic culture. Fans from all over the world converge to celebrate Indian cinema, while millions can watch the telecast from the comfort of their home.

The official IIFA Week-end and Awards program includes:
June 23rd
IIFA Weekend Press Conference
IIFA World Premiere

June 24th
IIFA Rocks - Fashion & Music Event
IIFA Film Festival
FICCI/IIFA Global Business Forum

June 25th
IIFA Music Workshop
IIFA Film Festival
IIFA Awards Presentation Ceremony

For a detailed itinerary on the official IIFA Week-end and Awards program, visit the official IIFA web site at www.iifa.com

Watch for IIFA 'BUZZ' events around the GTA (Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and Markham) celebrating South Asian culture, dance, film, food and music.

For general information on the International Indian Film Academy and the IIFA Weekend and Awards, including how to volunteer, go to www.iifa.com or email volunteers.toronto@iifa.com.


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, Toronto and York are the chosen charity partners by the Government of Ontario and IIFA for the 2011 IIFA Weekend and Awards. For over 96 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has made a difference in the lives of young people by providing a friend where one is needed.

To find out more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, Toronto and York, please visit their websites at: