The Tamil and Malayalam film industry IIFA UTSAVAM awards are being held on Sunday while Telugu and Kannada IIFA UTSAVAM awards are on Monday.
IIFA UTSAVAM kicked off to a bright start on Sunday at The Park Hyatt in Hyderabad. Many celebrities from the south film industries attended the event to talk about IIFA UTSAVAM and how they are happy that IIFA is finally recognising the south film industries.
The proceeds from the IIFA UTSAVAM will go towards relief and rehabilitation of those affected in the Chennai floods.
Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty said, "We've been a part of IIFA for 20 years. The reason why South Indian cinema needs to be celebrated is that 40% of Indian cinema is from the south. The highest number of National Award winners like directors, singers, etc, are from the south. So why not celebrate South Indian cinema? The government of India is looking at how Indian cinema can bring in billions of dollars. IIFA combines technical talents and excellence in the country with the glamour and that taken to Indian cinema globally. Kattappa has become more famous than the three Khans and he is from South India! When I work in Bollywood I don't feel I am from South India. Only one things matters - talent."
Actor Nasser said, "It's going to be a magical evening on two days thanks to the IIFA UTSAVAM." "No matter how much you earn, the big moment is winning awards," he added. The actor also thanked IIFA UTSAVAM for the fund-raising they were doing for the Chennai floods and hoped that the next edition would be in Chennai.
Kannada actor Shivrajkumar also spoke at the press conference. "It's good to be at the IIFA UTSAVAM and recognise the south film industries. All the industries including Hindi was at Chennai at one point. Personally, I have a soft corner for Chennai because I was born and educated in Chennai. I thank IIFA," he said.
Pretty actress Shriya Saran said it would be a great experience celebrating films, actors and the south film industries. She added, "The Indian film industry is huge and IIFA has taken it internationally. "
#BeOneForChennai is what IIFA is calling the fund-raising campaign they are doing for the Chennai floods. The first cheque of Rs 1,85,000 was given by Bingo Vacation - RK Media towards the fund-raising.
The Tamil and Malayalam film industry IIFA UTSAVAM awards are being held on Sunday while Telugu and Kannada IIFA UTSAVAM awards are on Monday.
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