This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Mayor Frank Scarpitti of Markham was all smiles as he greeted a packed media conference with the traditional Indian Namaste. He announced that Abhijeet Sawant, winner of the Indian Idol contest, and now a globally renowned star, would be the international headliner at Markham’s Bollywood extravaganza on Jun 18 to usher in the IIFA awards.
‘We are honoured to have been chosen as one of the host communities of these prestigious IIFA buzz events”, Mayor Scarpitti said. “This speaks to Markham’s rich cultural diversity and our reputation for embracing and celebrating the contributions of all residents from all backgrounds.”
Michael Chan, minister of tourism and culture, also took the podium and spoke a few words, breaking into a few Bollywood dance steps that prompted huge applause from the audience. CIBC (the main sponsor for all IIFA) spokesperson, Neil Fernandez, also addressed the attendees.
The IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) buzz events to take place at the Markham Civic Centre grounds Jun17-18 will include the screening of the comedy “Housefull” starring Akhshay Kumar, who has made Canada his second home, and a host of other well-known actors. The movie screening, sponsored by CIBC, and aptly named “Bollywood under the Stars” will take place on Jun 17 at 7 pm and all attendees will have the chance to enter a draw to win 2 tickets to the illustrious IIFA awards.
On Jun 18, there will be the biggest Bollywood extravaganza that Markham has ever hosted. The show will be produced by the well known Masala!Mehndi!Masti! team that puts on the largest South Asian festival in North America every year. Besides headliner Abhijeet Sawant, this all day event will include JoSH from Montreal, SW Storm, Tarana Dance Company , Shiamak Davar’s (India’s colossus of choreography) amazing dance troupe and more. This all day event, starting from 12 noon and going through until 10pm, will be hosted by Canada’s internationally famed cross- cultural actress, model and star, Lisa Ray. There will also be interactive dandiya and an explosive bhangra performance. A grand FUNtastic kid’s zone will also be available for all the children. There will also be an exotic array of market vendors and taste-bud tantalizing food stalls.
As John Ryerson, Markham’s director of culture says: "Working with Masala!Mehndi!Masti! has been terrific. They have brought creativity and skill together in producing what we expect to be an outstanding IIFA buzz event in Markham"
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