At least 10 Bollywood stars will jet in from Mumbai for the launch of the SAIFTA (South Africa India Film and Television Awards) to be held on Friday 22 March at Durban’s ICC (International Convention Centre).
Says SAIFTA director, Kedhar Gawde of Mumbai-based Celebrity Locker Entertainment: “SAIFTA provides an exciting new cross-cultural exchange between South Africa and India in terms of entertainment, talent, technical expertise and film locations. This awards event will highlight the wealth of talent in each country as some of the biggest names in film and television from both countries take to the stage together for the first time.
“We aim for SAIFTA to be recognised globally. This is a harmonious meeting of minds, creative talent, vision and innovation, where the spotlight is on the best of showbiz, glamour and talent that both countries have to offer.’
The SAIFTA launch has the backing of The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and East Coast Radio.
Among the Bollywood stars scheduled to attend the launch are Jacqueline Fernandez (Sri Lankan model and Bollywood actress); Farah Khan (Indian film director, actress and choreographer); Shipla Shirodka (Indian film actress and model); Richda Chadda (award-winning film and theatre actress); Hard Kaur (British Indian film actress and model); Anusha Dandekar (TV personality); Dia Mirza (Indian model and Bollywood actress); and Raveena Tandon-Thadani (award-winning actress, producer and former model).
The gala launch for 800 people is designed to give dignitaries, film and television luminaries and the media a taste of what the big SAIFTA Awards evening will hold at the Durban ICC on 6 September.
The event will showcase an intriguing fusion of South African and Indian talent, including a massive dance production, directed by Slum Dog Millionaires co-choreographer, Geeta Kapoor. The fashion show and installations will feature collaborations between Indian and South African designers.
There is also a stellar line-up of judges for the SAIFTA: South Africa judges include Welcome Msomi (KZN Film Commission); Linda Bukhosini (CEO Playhouse Company); Leleti Khumalo (actress and radio announcer); Caroline Smart (Living Legend Award-winner); and Peter Rorvik (former director of the Durban International Film Festival and the Centre for Creative Arts).
Indian judges include Farah Khan; Shabana Azmi; Boman Irani; Mukesh Bhatt; Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra.
