A Story by Jasmine Kaur

INTRODUCTION

International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) announced on Tuesday that the 22nd IIFA Weekend and Awards will take place on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on March 18 and 19, 2022. It will be hosted by superstar Salman Khan at Yas Island’s state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue, Etihad Arena.

IIFA announced in a press release that the event would be held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences. A commemoration of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations marking its 50th anniversary, the highly anticipated 22nd edition of IIFA will showcase Indian cinema’s finest talent, bringing together global dignitaries, international media, fans, and film enthusiasts from around the world, the release said.

He said the latest edition of IIFA will be a grand celebration in one of his favorite places. The celebration will be even bigger since we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the Golden Jubilee of the UAE.”

Salman Khan says the IIFA has not only provided Indian cinema with an international platform but has also enabled Indian cinema to reach millions of people worldwide.

Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, SaoodAbdulaziz Al Hosani, said hosting the IIFA Awards underscored the “key strategic position” the Indian market occupies for the emirate.

We also have enjoyed a great bond with India’s movie industry, which has for many years been enticed to Abu Dhabi through our high-quality infrastructure, so the addition of IIFA to Abu Dhabi’s calendar of events aligns perfectly with our 5-year strategy to develop the creative and cultural sectors.”

“Hosting an international event like this also demonstrates the UAE capital’s appeal for attracting entertainment, and the confidence organizers have in the emirate’s superior facilities, expertise, and stringent health and safety protocols,” Al Hosani said in a statement.

Mohammed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said it is an honor for Abu Dhabi to host the IIFA Weekend and Awards.

“Hosting this much anticipated event reinforces Yas Island’s position as a top global destination for leisure, entertainment and business and Abu Dhabi’s place on the world tourism and entertainment map.”

Continuing their partnership for the seventh consecutive edition of IIFA, NEXA will be collaborating with Miral and DCT Abu Dhabi for the star-studded event.

SALMAN KHAN COMPLIMENTS SUSHMITA SEN 

Since it began streaming a few days ago, Disney+ Hotstar’s Sushmita Sen action drama Aarya 2 has been receiving rave reviews from critics and viewers alike. Susmita’s powerful performance, coupled with Ram Madhvani, Vinod Rawat, and Kapil Sharma’s ace direction, has made the second season of Aarya an OTT favorite. Although Sushmita and the makers have been delighted with the great reviews and response for Aarya 2, Salman Khan praised the intense look of the former Miss Universe after seeing a hoarding of the series on a highway.

Aarya is back, and this time the claws are out for good! Disney+ Hotstar is back with another thrilling season of the International Emmy nominated Hotstar Special, Aarya to impress everyone.

PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIDHARTH SHUKLA

Salman Khan, the host of Bigg Boss 15, paid tribute to late actor Sidharth Shukla during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode. Sidharth was the winner of Bigg Boss 13 and one of the most popular characters on the show.

On the event of Sidharth`s birth anniversary on December 13, Salman opened the episode with an ode to the Bigg Boss thirteen winner. “Aaj Bigg Boss ke us winner ka birthday hai jo humare saath nahi rahe. (Today is the birthday of the Bigg Boss winner who’s now not with us). The irreplaceable Sidharth Shukla”. A montage of Sidharth’s journey in the house was shown to the viewers after this.

“You left us too quickly buddy. Missing you, and wishing you on this very unique day. Aur aaj ka episode aapke naam (I commit today`s episode to you),” Salman in addition said. Sidharth Shukla passed away in September this year following a coronary heart attack. On December 12, he might have become 41.