Pahlaj Nihalani lashes out at IIFAs-No Aamir no Akshay sham

Producer and CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani is not a fan of the International Indian Films Academy (IIFA) awards. In fact he says he has boycotted what he considers an "international farce that lost its relevance when actor Amitabh Bachchan opted out of it in 2011.

He lashes out at this year's nominations. "Look at the hypocrisy. They haven't even nominated Aamir Khan for Dangal and Akshay Kumar for Airlift and Rustom just because they wouldn't attend their weekend holiday plans masquerading as an awards function.

Nihalani says many actors who were taken to New York did not even attend the awards events. "They were too tired after partying all night. What I want to know is, who is paying for this extravagance?, asks Nihalani, and adds, "It is our foreign exchange being squandered as every top star is given tickets for his spouse, children, parents , ayahs, bodyguards, friends, friends of friends ... I've heard stars are even given money to shop.Who is paying for all this? IIFA is selling Indian cinema to various countries and probably getting many financial benefits. But is the Indian government benefiting from this global event?, he says.

Nihalani says he is dismayed to see senior individuals from Mumbai's film industry being ridiculed at IIFA. "I think the day Mr Bachchan opted out, IIFA lost its dignity and relevance. In 18 years, how much global impact has Indian cinema made and what hand did IIFA have in this?

Nihalani has also challenged IIFA's claim of representing Indian cinema abroad. He says, "Initially we had cinema from various states getting token representation at the awards.Now we only have Bollywood. So why do they call themselves the International Indian films awards? It's such a sham! Bollywood is not Indian cinema.

And also free tickets for KSG. Lol. So they're partying all night and then called their hangover allergy,...

Originally posted by: ibnbattuta

And also free tickets for KSG. Lol. So they're partying all night and then called their hangover allergy,...

He isn't wrong though. Who is paying for this? And yes, Bollywood isn't the representative Indian cinema. Why call it IIFA without regional films? Bollywood's entitlement and spoilt-brat behaviour as usual.

Nihalini is right on 2 points, one where he talks about money being spent for the whole khadaan & staff of BW star and second where he talks about representing Indian cinema; it's imperative to include regional cinema. IIFA isn't doing that, it's become a cheap glitzy party. AB leaving it, is his personal choice not necessary for quality of IIFA. Agree with the nomination part.

"Nihalani says many actors who were taken to New York did not even attend the awards events. "They were too tired after partying all night. What I want to know is, who is paying for this extravagance?, asks Nihalani, and adds, "It is our foreign exchange being squandered as every top star is given tickets for his spouse, children, parents , ayahs, bodyguards, friends, friends of friends ... I've heard stars are even given money to shop.Who is paying for all this? IIFA is selling Indian cinema to various countries and probably getting many financial benefits. But is the Indian government benefiting from this global event?, he says."

So much money wasted on them
And some of them do not even come
Regional films should have been included

There's a separate IIFA for south.. Tho it happened in India only lol.. Bollywood is the only privileged one..

Nice article ,Actors take it for granted