The 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), held in Tampa, Florida, was one star-studded affair. Stealing the limelight were Hollywood actors Kevin Spacey and John Travolta. hitlist gives you the lowdown on the three-day weekend...
Making the moves on desi girls
A rare sight indeed when Hollywood hotties Kevin Spacey and John Travolta shook a let with Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra respectively. When Spacey was called on stage to present the best Entertainer of the Year award to Deepika Padukone, he was requested by the show's emcees, Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor, to groove to the song, Lungi dance. The crowd went berserk when Kevin Spacey sportingly wore the lungi and danced with the stars. He even pretended to swoon over Deepika's looks.
IIFA Awards: John Travolta and Hrithik Roshan
Not to be left behind, John Travolta danced with Priyanka Chopra on the song, Tune mari entriyaan dil me baji ghantiya, from her film, 'Gunday'. Priyanka Chopra was dancing to the number on stage when she used the opportunity to get John Travolta on stage and shake a leg with him.
John Travolta to be part of 'Paani'?
Travolta revealed that he had watched a few Bollywood films. and his recent favourites were 'Ram Leela' and 'Krrish-3'. Travolta said, "I have watched 'Lagaan' and '3 Idiots'; I recently saw 'Krrish-3', and I also loved that Romeo Juliet film, 'Ram Leela'. The first song in the latter was amazing and the film captured my attention. I would love to work with the Romeo Juliet girl (Deepika Padukone)."
When asked if he was starring in Shekhar Kapoor's much-awaited project, 'Paani', he confirmed that he had been offered the film. "Yes, I have been offered a film and I am considering taking it up. I believe it's an honest film and Shekhar Kapoor has asked me to be a part of it."
He went on to add that he identifies more with Bollywood films because of their music. "I cannot deny that music is my life, it's part of my soul. So whenever I have the opportunity to sing or dance in a movie, I feel happier," said the actor, who wants to travel to India 'sometime soon'.
He also spoke of the Bollywood personalities he had met recently. "I love Shekhar Kapoor and I also got to meet Aamir Khan when I went to Mumbai. Anil Kapoor is an old friend. I think it's perfect that Bollywood actors are now starring in Hollywood projects. The video, Exotic, was a perfect marriage of Hollywood and Bollywood," he said.
Lastly, the Grease actor said that Hollywood could learn a thing or two from Bollywood. "In Hollywood, we are very conscious of what we are trying to show. Besides, there is a paucity of musicals here. I wish Hollywood picked that up from Bollywood," he said.
IIFA Awards: Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan
Kareena greets Shahid
It could have been an awkward moment, except it wasn't. When Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan came on stage on give away an award, emcee Shahid Kapoor, Kareena's former beau, looked nonchalant. The actress, clad in a black gown, looked her ravishing self and when she came on stage, she made it a point to greet both the hosts: Farhan Akhtar and ex-boyfriend, Shahid Kapoor. Before she announced the name of the award, the actress said a loud 'Hi' to both the emcees.
Interestingly, when the actress appeared on the latest season of 'Koffee with Karan', she had made it clear that she wouldn't be working with her ex-boyfriends. At the time, she had gone on to say, "But I share a cordial relationship with my exes. I had met Shahid once and I said hi to him."
IIFA Awards: Sonakshi Sinha and Priyanka Chopra
No rivalry here!
If their rapport at this awards do was anything to go by, Sonakshi Sinha and Priyanka Chopra are the newest BFFs in B-town. The two were almost inseparable. Not surprising for two girls to bond together, except that they have one thing in common. Both are said to have dated Shahid Kapoor. In fact, Sonakshi still might be dating him. But this fact didn't seem to come between the two acresses as they giggled and chatted whenever they had some free time.
Is Vidya Balan pregnant?
Rumours about Vidya Balan's pregnancy resurfaced after she cancelled her trip to this awards event. Priyanka Chopra then replaced her at the last minute. It is said that Vidya Balan was supposed to promote Indian cinema during the IIFA multi-city promotional tour, but just five days prior to the event, the actress decided to opt out of the same. Says a source, "Vidya cancelled her plans just five days before the awards. Despite calling off her trip at the last minute, the actress didn't offer a detailed explanation to the organisers. They were just told that she is unwell."
The source adds that Vidya Balan was scheduled to be part of a master class panel discussion with Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey on Saturday morning, but Priyanka Chopra filled in instead.