Bachchan to go abroad to promote IIFA awa

Looking fit and fresh in his first interaction with the media since his operation a few months back, Bachchan also shot a capsule for the promo of the IIFA awards function, to be held in Dubai this year, and kicked off the voting process for the nominations for 2005.

Bachchan, who had refused to speak to the media on any other issue other than IIFA, however, when asked about his health said, "bas theek hai, aaj main aapko kaisa lag raha hoon? (I am fine. How do I look today?)." When asked if Bachchan, who is the brand ambassador for IIFA, would go to Dubai to promote the event before the actual function, he said, "I will go only if health permits." He also said he would not be performing at the awards function this year.

"IIFA is doing well in not only promoting Indian films abroad but also the concept of films. Also they manage to transport the entire film industry to the venue, which gives us a chance to interact with our colleagues and well wishers in the industry," he said.

About choice of Dubai as the destination for the awards event this year, Bachchan said "of the 1.5 million people who live in Dubai, more than 80 per cent are Indians, Bangladeshis or Pakistanis. This will give the film fraternity a homely feeling".