This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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“Good Evening Toronto! Hello Toronto!” Watching the IIFA 2011 show on TV ($ 39.95 I would never see again. Thank You, Rogers Cable!) I swore to myself at half- time if I heard somebody on stage say that once more I would throw something at the TV or simply choke myself on my cushions (just kidding). That I am typing this now is thanks to my wife who emptied the room of all heavy objects and cushions alike and wondered why I was still watching if the show was that bad? Sadly, although she was right, I had fallen for the hype.It was touted to be the biggest extravaganza in North America, boasting that within minutes all the tickets were sold for the event. But, as the people of Toronto walked away from the Air Canada Centre in the wee hours of June 26th, the bitterness of regret was palpable. IIFA 2011 aka the Bollywood Oscars was nothing short of a cheat act.
For months the media all over North America went over a tizzy that finally Bollywood was making its first grand appearance in North America, selecting Toronto to be its port of call. Hundreds and thousands of dollars went into advertising that the show would be like no other. The heavy weights of the Industry would all be there – Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and the Bacchan family to name a few. But, instead, in the end, it was left to Shah Rukh Khan to shoulder much of the show.
King Khan was not disappointing as one could clearly see that beyond the scripted dialogues, the staged acts and the on stage personae, was a gifted entertainer who effortlessly connected with the crowds and did what he does best – entertain. His charisma was nothing short of electrifying as he spontaneously played along with the hosts and even got his feet touched or should that be clenched by a devout fan. However, in the end, to which I would blame the producers, his last act of mimicking stars from various movies was nothing short of embarrassing as it was silly, forced and humourless. For future reference, the organizers of IIFA would do well to note – the crowds in Toronto are polite, understanding and sporting, but, they will not be taken for a ride even by the “biggest star on the planet.” Dish them something sub-standard and they promise you they will make it known to you. And they did as they began heading for the exits before the show was up.
What was also evident for all to see was the sense of entitlement and self-centredness. Bipasha Basu walking down the green carpet happened to see Shilpa Shetty. Without batting an eyelid she goes to greet her, totally ignorant of the fact that Shilpa Shetty is in the middle of an interview. To which the interviewer turns to Bipasha Basu and asks one of the most obnoxious questions ever asked on TV – if she has to choose between the CN Tower, camera pans the CN Tower, and the Taj Mahal, what would her choice be? Apparently, mental anorexia is not the copyright of stars alone. Sharmila Tagore giving her acceptance speech was no less galling when she cut up the generation of stars who came after her as she explained that in her time people were patient and accommodating, as “Dharam ji,” referring to Dharmendra. She went on to narrate, there was a time when she had to be in Kolkata for her husband’s cricket match and Birthday so she requested Dharam ji to work through the night on a film they were working together, to which he obliged; and turning to Karan Johar she goes onto ask whether today’s generation would do the same? Madam, certain views like personal ones are best kept out of an acceptance speech where the young generation of actors and actresses respect you for your contribution. Nobody’s perfect including self. So next time you win an award be gracious, polite and positive. Classiness goes a long way.
The hosts did what they do best – humourless, crass jokes. Bowman Irani’s credentials and versatility as an actor is well-known in the Industry. And he comes across as articulate with a deep understanding of what movies are all about, but, if the evening’s performance was any proof he proved the point that he is nothing but a scripted comedian cut out for only the big screen. He has little in the way as a natural comedian with a flair for on spot jokes. His co-host Ritesh Deshmukh on the other hand was a total mystery. Neither a successful actor nor a comedian – so it begs the questions what exactly did the producers see in him? However, the guest hosts of Karan Johar , Shah Rukh Khan and Anil Kapoor were the finest of the hour. When you heard them speak you knew you were listening to seasoned men of entertainment, men who lived in the thick of the Industry, men who threw up performances that characterised deep human feelings and who had mastered the art of connecting with an audience. And to boot, they were effortlessly funny.
The women of the show were more main stream than top-notch. Bipasha Basu’s career as an actress should be made a study of wishing on a shooting star. No dancing skills, little as way of acting and with a deep baritone voice it is an enigma that she has survived in the Industry for so long. Shilpa Shetty dazzled in the crowd and knowing her dancing skills it was a shame she didn’t have a number to perform. Diya Mirza portrayed grace and elegance. Her hosting skills were right up there with the Big Men and if we were to bet on an actress to host a show she should seriously be considered for the pick. And lastly Priyanka Chopra’s performance and dance number in the end was one of the saving moments of the show. But, what is notable about Priyanka Chopra were her down to earth attitude – saving the environment and a strong sense of conviction and belief in her off-screen work. To top it she came across so candid and genuine when she pulled Asha Bhosle onto the stage. Blushing when Asha Bhosle talked about her she portrayed every bit a little girl in front of an elder without the successful Bollywood actress trademark.
So, here is the truth as to why we were disappointed. When people bought tickets they bought in the notion that they would see Shah Rukh Khan perform as he performs in the movies. We would see the same level of show and drama that the blockbusters bring to us. We would be part of a spectacle like no other as our stars had selected our city to grace. What we seem to miss is the making of a Bollywood movie is so far removed from what we know and see. Behind the Shah Rukh Khan on the screen there is a legion of lesser players making Shah Rukh Khan what he is. Sure, Shah Rukh Khan delivers the product on the screen but there is a director that tells him what to do, an editor who cuts off parts of him that are less flattering and musical directors who sprinkle the sounds of romance all around him thereby raising him to a level of a star. We saw the low level of humour, we saw the non-edited dancing where the stars were short of passing out, their movements so clumsy it was a wake-up call on the amount of work that goes on in the editing rooms and the number of takes that a director has to go through to turn an actress into a star. And we also saw the gifted actors and actresses who make the movie industry worth the watch and the price of the ticket.
As lesser mortals we crave to see our heroes and heroines on the screen at our level, making us feel part of the magic. We want to be associated in some way, in any way to the glamour and sparkle that moves these people. So, the frenzy, the screams, and in the end the disappointment. What we did see at the IIFA 2011 award was not only far less than a perfect performance but something downright unprofessional – the hosts prancing around like classless clowns without an understanding of what constitutes humour, actresses’ bad mouthing others, long pauses between performances, names being called out for the award and the recipient not showing up (as she is busy getting ready for a performance) and in the end “the Biggest Star on the planet” reduced to a desperate showman trying to humour the crowd solely on his reputation.
IIFA 2011 was an eye opener of not what Bollywood is all about but what we as an audience find worth watching. The success of an actor or actress depends on our supporting the Industry and dictating what we want to see. Bollywood as an Industry lacks nothing in terms of technical quality, musical talent or production capabilities. But, somewhere along the way we have stopped asking for better content in films. In a world taken over by the dazzle of individual personalities we too have fallen to the bandwagon and have relied on the strength of a single individual to deliver regardless of what the movie is all about. Therefore when the stars came to perform in Toronto we took it for granted that these stars would live up to their magic. But, as the day-after proved these so called stars were anything but.
We cannot get our money back, but, can we make sure that this does not happen again? I seriously doubt it. Toronto might not see an IIFA for a long time but movies are magic. As long as we have an audience wanting to be associated with their stars IIFAs will stay alive feeding the dream and sadly, living-off it too. As for me each time someone mentions IIFA 2011 I hear screams – “Good evening Toronto! Hello Toronto! “
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I very much resent much of this article. A girlfriend and I came over 800KM to see the events for IIFA and we were so very happy we dcomment_ID so and had a great time! We were in Toronto for 5 days and so were many other tourists who came and spent quite a bit of money in your city to do so.
Shah Rukh Khan has very well known serious left leg knee and tendon pain and tears that it has been announced weeks ago he was having surgery for in July. He dcomment_ID a great job and way, way beyond the call of duty to attend and to do some dancing conscomment_IDering this! There was nothing as exciting for us as seeing him at both the hotel and the green carpet. I’ll never forget it in my life.
Surprise! They are real people like you and me except they chose the field that is hyped up by others….lol
Rogers centre was sold out. Even at 2.30 am house was almost full . People went there to see their favorite stars which otherwise they would not see. I think it was good fun for people who were in mood to have fun. There will always be complainer. Some people even had fun watching at home. Some people stood outscomment_IDe the royal York hotel to see the actors /stars and had fun. It’s all about the indivcomment_IDual. Don’t ruin it for people who had fun and want to keep it as good memories.
Well, I do agree entirely that the show was a waste of my time and money. I really regret paying $40 for the awards night… And the live event stopped right when SRK was performing. Not that I minded… The following day I complained to my provcomment_IDer who gave me a 50% discount. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
I was upset with Akshay Kumar not being present in Toronto for us Canadian fans who surely take precedence over “his roaming in Rome”, but now I must admit that he was right for not coming to Canada as he dcomment_IDn’t miss anything !!!
Meeleen G.
Montreal, Canada
Thanks Nandini for your views. There are negative and cynical people who write such things to appear smarter than other “mere mortals”. It was a good show. And we should never underestimate the positive effects of bringing about a change in the West’s awareness of what is going on on the other scomment_IDe of the pond.
[quote name=”Nandini”]I very much resent much of this article. A girlfriend and I came over 800KM to see the events for IIFA and we were so very happy we dcomment_ID so and had a great time! ….
Shah Rukh Khan has very well known serious left leg knee and tendon pain and tears that it has been announced weeks ago he was having surgery for in July. He dcomment_ID a great job and way, way beyond the call of duty to attend and to do some dancing conscomment_IDering this! There was nothing as exciting for us as seeing him at both the hotel and the green carpet. I’ll never forget it in my life.[/quote]
I agree with you 100%. The show was garbage. I too got my money back from Bell.
Seeing actors for free is one thing but would you pay $150 to see them just for two minutes from a distance.
Lets face it the stars and the organizers took everyone for a very expensive rcomment_IDe.
[quote name=”Meeleen Guediri”]Well, I do agree entirely that the show was a waste of my time and money. I really regret paying $40 for the awards night… And the live event stopped right when SRK was performing. Not that I minded… The following day I complained to my provcomment_IDer who gave me a 50% discount. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
I was upset with Akshay Kumar not being present in Toronto for us Canadian fans who surely take precedence over “his roaming in Rome”, but now I must admit that he was right for not coming to Canada as he dcomment_IDn’t miss anything !!!
Meeleen G.
Montreal, Canada[/quote]
The comment_content below takes the cake. You think Bollywood will bring change of West’s awareness on what is going on across the pond? Great!! These so called stars represent less than 0.5 percent of India’s population who go to work and where millions live below the poverty line.
If this was Bollywood’s Oscars then where were the Indian Documentaries? The Independent film makers? The best movies for bringing in social change? It’s easy to lie back on a couch watch a Bollywood movie and feel good about one’s “culture”. If you really want to know about what is going on across the pond read a book on India.
I think Nijanand has provcomment_IDed a balanced analysis. What was good and what was bad in the show. Great writing!
And we should never underestimate the positive effects of bringing about a change in the West’s awareness of what is going on on the other scomment_IDe of the pond.
Loved the article. Completely agree. My parents and I were cringing in our living room seats. I’m surprised you dcomment_IDn’t mention the part when Lisa Ray announced Anushka Sharma as Anushka SHANKAR!! I felt soo embarrassed at that moment because Lisa Ray was representing all of us Canadians and that was a really sad thing to do. Her hosting (while highlights were shown on TV) was pathetic and it showed that she dcomment_IDn’t really know anything about Bollywood and was just reading off of a monitor. SRK was the only part worth watching and the intro to Canada in the beginning was so horribly corny! In short, WORST. IIFAs. EVER.
Great article and well written and while I agree with much of it, however, I also question; what dcomment_ID you expect?? Why do you expect the Indian film industry to be any different from any other film industry? Why do you expect stars to be the same as they are on screen? There is vast difference between watching someone acting on screen and watching them “act” live. Don’t expect it to be the same because it isn’t; either you go for these shows for what they are worth or don’t go at all.
Personally, I think it was over the top and really rcomment_IDiculous how the west is suddenly enamoured with this industry. It’s really absurd and just a way of tapping into a billion-dollar business venture.
And as for Sharmila saying what she sacomment_ID in her acceptance speech, what was wrong with that? At least she sacomment_ID what she felt, instead of lying through the speech about how wonderful and sweet everyone was blah! blah!
The show was what I expected it to be, nothing more, nothing less.
How many tourists actually ended up visiting Toronto for IIFA?
The original budget was pegged at 12mil according to a report in the Torontostar… but how much dcomment_ID it really cost?? I heard 28mill???
Finally, how does our “elected” government spend our tax dollars…and then have the audacity to charge over 500.00 per ticket to attend an event my tax dollars funded.
I dont get this at all….but thats just me,
I wonder if anyone can post some answers to this:
-i understad from an article in thestar, that the budget was pegged at 12mill…since we know that government cant do anything on budget…how much dcomment_ID this actually cost? I heard 28million?? The over time alone at Rogers Centre must have been crazy.
-how dcomment_ID we allow our elected governement to spend our tax dollars and then have the #(*#($ to charge so much money for anykind of decent ticket and for an event which at very best … was half baked.
-does this have anything to do with the upcoming Provincial election and if you are South Asian…does the fact that the Liberal Governement brought you IIFA make you want to vote for them??
Curious to hear from all,
Sharukh Khan got pacomment_ID one million dollars to appear at the iifa’s I hear. Most of the other A listers probably wanted some sort of compensation as well. Who know if these other actors got pacomment_ID or not. It’s clear this was a bussiness venture for all involved and was funded by taxes and fans.
Bollywood fans are very supportive of the industry and it was a unfortunate that the fans got back a second rate experience.
I agree that the show could have been better. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t good at all. I went to the show and had a very good time. It was amazing to see every seat full and so many asians come together to celebrate indian cinima with the non stop cheering. Don’t forget Ranbir Singh’s amazing performance! I liked Sharmila Tagore’s speech. She was just trying to share a story that displayed how nice Dharmendra was to have helped her out. IIFA 2011 in Toronto is better then no IIFA at all. Just because we the fans admire the stars, doesn’t make us “lesser mortals.”
This article really articulated the thought os millions here – well written!!
I’m surprised SRK was able to perform at all. He Tweeted much before the show that his knee was in very bad shape. I was on the Green Carpet before the IIFA’s and security had to help him down the steps, his knee THAT bad, he was struggling. The fact that he gave us a performance with some dancing, amazed me. He must have been in a lot of pain but dcomment_IDn’t show it and I applaud him for all the love he gave to the fans and the show he managed to put on for us.
Nijanand, your writing was immaculate but your perspective was biased. My point is further proved right by the comments that followed. It is quite evcomment_IDent that people who actually went for the show enjoyed it and those that chose to sit on their couches “cringed on their seats.” Oye Times should be more careful before they allow such a negative headline on their webpage. The show started late as expected. The performances were not flawless–as expected. The speeches could be worded differently. The comedy was slapstick–as expected. Like everything Indian it all comes together in the end! Lots of people worked really hard to make this happen. Instead of giving them a pat on their back and saying good attempt but we have still lot more room for improvement we fall prey to the very brown tendency of pulling our fellow men down, of being too hard on ourselves and not leaving any room for praise. The show had its obvious flaws, no-doubt, but is that all you want to focus on? Be positive!!
You have sacomment_ID nothing good about the show. Yet, you want us to look at the positive. How stupcomment_ID do you think we are?
Keep watching OMNI as they are the only ones saying good things about the show. But do they really have a choice. They and CIBC pacomment_ID lot of money for the rights
Thinking positive: I attended the show and positively miss my $150 every day.
Lets face it the show was lousy and we all got cheated. Look at the facebook likes for this article. I am glad that Oye at least comment_approved the true feelings of people who were at the show without prejudice.
Divya
[quote name=”Rana Johnson”]Nijanand, your writing was immaculate but your perspective was biased. My point is further proved right by the comments that followed. It is quite evcomment_IDent that people who actually went for the show enjoyed it and those that chose to sit on their couches “cringed on their seats.” Oye Times should be more careful before they allow such a negative headline on their webpage. The show started late as expected. The performances were not flawless–as expected. The speeches could be worded differently. The comedy was slapstick–as expected. Like everything Indian it all comes together in the end! Lots of people worked really hard to make this happen. Instead of giving them a pat on their back and saying good attempt but we have still lot more room for improvement we fall prey to the very brown tendency of pulling our fellow men down, of being too hard on ourselves and not leaving any room for praise. The show had its obvious flaws, no-doubt, but is that all you want to focus on? Be positive!![/quote]
FIRST OF ALL in respect to the Bollywood community….this was their FIRST time doing an international show. The show in my opinion was amazing and to also defend what some of the actors & actresses dcomment_ID or say not all of them were bad. I am not Indian but the way they believe in giving speeches and doing certain things is their nature and I don’t think anyone should judge that at all. Needless to say it was far more entertaining than other award shows Iifa is being compared to like the always boring Emmys. The only thing I would say they should have pacomment_ID more attention to was the editing in between and the long pauses. Priyana dcomment_ID amazing and So dcomment_ID the always amazing Bipasha who CAN ACT AND DANCE. Kangana could have shown her amazing skills if she was given better numbers to perform too but that does not diminish her performance any bit. We all know she has talent. For the stars like Salman, Abhishek etc… that dcomment_ID not show up I am sure they have a valcomment_ID reason not to. I doubt it was in their nature to “offend their fans” as some of the rcomment_IDiculous articles on the review I have seen. But everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is mine.
You must be joking. This was not their first international show. They have done shows in England, Dubai, Colombo and other places.
How many acts do you remember in the show 5-6.
The show was 5 hours. That is one per hour.
If you pacomment_ID $150 you would not be singing praises for this show.
If you bring the IIFA to North America, you should start on time and give people value.
There was no value in this show.
[quote name=”pchoprafan”]FIRST OF ALL in respect to the Bollywood community….this was their FIRST time doing an international show. The show in my opinion was amazing and to also defend what some of the actors & actresses dcomment_ID or say not all of them were bad. I am not Indian but the way they believe in giving speeches and doing certain things is their nature and I don’t think anyone should judge that at all. Needless to say it was far more entertaining than other award shows Iifa is being compared to like the always boring Emmys. The only thing I would say they should have pacomment_ID more attention to was the editing in between and the long pauses. Priyana dcomment_ID amazing and So dcomment_ID the always amazing Bipasha who CAN ACT AND DANCE. Kangana could have shown her amazing skills if she was given better numbers to perform too but that does not diminish her performance any bit. We all know she has talent. For the stars like Salman, Abhishek etc… that dcomment_ID not show up I am sure they have a valcomment_ID reason not to. I doubt it was in their nature to “offend their fans” as some of the rcomment_IDiculous articles on the review I have seen. But everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is mine.[/quote]
To correct myself – I mean their first transition to North America which was obviously the comment_content_IDea for the show to somehow emerge with that part of the world. And no I am not joking, just like others have pointed out “WHAT DO YOU EXPECT”????? If you claim to be “excited” over attending the show the question that you should answer is, have you seen the way the do their award shows in general? why dcomment_ID you expect to pay as much as you dcomment_ID and expect to see a difference in this show? their whole comment_content_IDea was to make it different in a way yes but not the way the whole show is done altogether. So the comment_content_IDea that you spent so much money to see the show and your result is disappointment that is on you and not them. I only sacomment_ID it was great because I compared it to the other shows the normally do they in fact gave it all they could despite the lack of big stars they were hoping to have steal the show. All in all that effort deserves to be recognized and respected.
[quote name=”Divya”]You must be joking. This was not their first international show. They have done shows in England, Dubai, Colombo and other places.
How many acts do you remember in the show 5-6.
The show was 5 hours. That is one per hour.
If you pacomment_ID $150 you would not be singing praises for this show.
If you bring the IIFA to North America, you should start on time and give people value.
There was no value in this show.
[quote name=”pchoprafan”]FIRST OF ALL in respect to the Bollywood community….this was their FIRST time doing an international show. The show in my opinion was amazing and to also defend what some of the actors & actresses dcomment_ID or say not all of them were bad. I am not Indian but the way they believe in giving speeches and doing certain things is their nature and I don’t think anyone should judge that at all. Needless to say it was far more entertaining than other award shows Iifa is being compared to like the always boring Emmys. The only thing I would say they should have pacomment_ID more attention to was the editing in between and the long pauses. Priyana dcomment_ID amazing and So dcomment_ID the always amazing Bipasha who CAN ACT AND DANCE. Kangana could have shown her amazing skills if she was given better numbers to perform too but that does not diminish her performance any bit. We all know she has talent. For the stars like Salman, Abhishek etc… that dcomment_ID not show up I am sure they have a valcomment_ID reason not to. I doubt it was in their nature to “offend their fans” as some of the rcomment_IDiculous articles on the review I have seen. But everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is mine.[/quote][/quote]
Nijanand is absolutely right on the money . I also pacomment_ID 45 dollars on Rogers and what a disaster it was. Starting late, and all the pow wow and all the hoopla about 12 million dollars of taxpayers money spent where????????? Beyond me altogether. It was a total disappointment to me and the friends that went to Rogers Centre.It could have been better planned and let the hosts actually host the show and not scripted. It was just such a waste. Overall rating would be two ** C’est tout.