Bollywood stars Anil Kapoor and Bipasha Basu at the IIFA Weekend and Awards destination announcement media conference …
"Let me tell you one thing about Singapore… this is the kind of world we must have. Whatever I've heard and whatever I've imagined, Singapore is that. It is the epitome of everything."
Making that bold declaration was none other than Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor, who was in town earlier this week to launch the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) which is slated to take place in the city-state from 7 to 9 June.
During his 10-minute long speech, Kapoor revealed that he envies Singapore for its "unimaginable" and "incredible" progress and diversity, as well as its top-class education system that convinced him to enroll his eldest daughter in a local school.
"If you want to sleep well at night, if you want to feel secure, if you want your child to get the best education and get the best of everything from all over the world, that's Singapore," the 54-year-old explained.
The globally-recognised actor has starred in an array of Bollywood movies such as "Pukar" and "Welcome", but is perhaps most famed for his turn of a game show host in Hollywood blockbuster "Slumdog Millionaire", which went on to score eight Oscars.
Kapoor is also recognised as the face of IIFA Weekend and Awards, having been associated with the academy for over a decade.
Calling IIFA an "experience", he admitted that although Bollywood has not been making films that are globally accepted, "[they] are trying".
"We are making films that have music, dance, emotions [and] drama. That's the beauty of [our films], we are sentimental people and that's what our films project," he said.
Both stars expressed their excitement to be in Singapore for the prestigious award ceremony. (Photo credit: Wizcraft …
Also lending support to the cause of Indian films is Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, who will be performing at the awards ceremony.
A competition will be organised by IIFA to select a lucky winner to dance alongside Basu as a supporting act.
Explaining what would she look for in her supporting dancer, the 33-year-old ravishing beauty said, "I think the technique [and] talent is very important. But besides that, [what is] most important is the heart."
She added, "If you feel passionate about something and [if] you dance from the heart, I think that shows more than technique for me. You need to be confident and love the crowd and just go for it."
The actress, who has starred in a dance segment at five different IIFA Awards, also touted her upcoming performance at this year's ceremony.
"I missed out on 2004 Singapore IIFA, so I'm here to make up for it… I'm definitely not going to disappoint audiences and I'm going to give a fabulous performance for Singapore," she said.
(L-R) Sabbas Joseph, Director for Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd, Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the …
The three-day award extravaganza is anticipated to be the highlight of the Indian film and entertainment industries, as it will be graced by some of the biggest names of Indian cinema.
Singapore is the third nation to ever host the IIFA celebrations twice, after a successful staging in 2004.
Said Aw Kah Peng, chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board: "We are delighted IIFA is returning to Singapore after eight years. Since it was last hosted here in 2004, IIFA has grown from strength to strength, and its festivities have proven to have strong tourism relevance and appeal, attracting quality visitors to its host country."
Aw also said that tourism receipts in entertainment totalled S$5 billion last year, and she looks forward to hosting the IIFA Awards as "this affirms Singapore's growing stature as a destination for music and entertainment businesses".
Tickets for the 13th International Indian Film Academy Awards will go on sale from 12 May, 9am at www.sistic.com.sg
