IIFA flagged off in Yorkshire

Leeds, June 7 (UNI) The much awaited eighth International Indian film Awards was flagged off with much celebration and fanfare at the Leeds town hall in Yorkshire.

Speaking on the occasion, International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan said the Indian cinema has made a rapid progress and is being appreciated all over world.

Expressing satisfaction over this progress, said the event was started in 2000 in London with a one day award distribution ceremony. But now this year the event will continue for three days and has turned out to be a weekend celebration.

''This year marks very important for IIFA as it is giving the message about the concern for environment'', said the superstar.

IIFA is no longer just a film-based ceremony but is an institution that believes in spreading awareness about serious issues facing the world at large'', he added.

A video recorded message of Price Charles was also shown on the occasion, in which he also raised concern about the global warming and combined efforts to sort out the same.

A Riordan, CE Yorkshire Forward, Judith Donovan, Chairman Yorkshire Tourism Board, Garry Toppchief Executive Yorkshire Culture, Sanjiv Aga, Managing director the Idea cellular, Viraf Sarkari, Wizcraft director and Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty were also present on the occasion.

Mr Bachchan was presented with a painting by Mr Aga while a staff was presented to him by Mr Tom Riodern.

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