Amitabh Bachchan has been the IIFA ambassador for 9 years and has played a pivotal role in taking the Indian film industry to foreign shores. "We have been through several years of IIFA and several years of press conferences and I cannot begin to describe to you how wonderful this journey has been," he says.
"I have been associated with IIFA for 9 years. It has been a journey full of commitments and a lot of desire to take an Indian product beyond Indian shores and to enjoy the excellence of its creativity with other members of the Universe. In that effort, I would like to thank Wizcraft who initiated this idea and have taken Indian content outside Indian shores," he says.
The way cinema brings people together is what the BIG B loves most about IIFA. "What is wonderful for me is that we are able to build bridges with the countries that host IIFA every year. This is not just another film award; it started off as just one evening. It has now progressed to become an evening where we meet people from other communities on business, fashion and sports forums and try and get communities together. I have always believed that cinema is one such medium that wonderfully brings people together," says the veteran actor.
He further adds an insight, "I have said this many times before that when we sit inside a dark cinema hall, we never question the person sitting next to us; we never ask what colour, cast or religion he is. We all enjoy the same product, we laugh at the same jokes, we cry at the same emotions and we sing the same songs. Where else in the world can we find such integration of communities other than the cinema hall. I find myself extremely proud to be a part of cinema and the IIFA movement which is here to strengthen the bonds of bringing people together through cinema."
Mr. Bachchan is all praise for Thailand's excellent hospitality and warmth. Speaking about his personal experience, he says, "I am much honoured that this year IIFA has chosen Thailand as its destination. Thailand is truly amazing. Personally I have been to Thailand many a time; I have shot Ek Ajnabee there and was also there for the IIFA press conference in Bangkok. I must congratulate his Excellency and thank the Thai people for the wonderful hospitality that was accorded to us and our team. The simplicity, graciousness, humility and warmth with which guests are greeted and welcomes is indeed amazing. I hope all the industry that will be joining us for the event will be benefited by the wonderful hospitality."
He further adds, " Thailand as you have noticed is a great tourist destination and I am sure members of my fraternity will not just take part in the events but also spend a little bit of their valuable time in visiting the beaches, the temples, the culture and just envelop everything that Thailand has to offer."
Going to Thailand is a matter of double joy for him because his film Sarkar Raj with son Abhishek and bahu Ash will premiere there on 6th June. The ever dignified BIG B says, "It is a great privilege to be here today, I am much honoured that we have RGV and Praveen Nischol here who will be bringing their film Sarkar Raj to IIFA in Bangkok which I am a part of and the movie is of personal significance to me because my family is a part of it."
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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