What made IIFA a success!
by Nilma Dole
 By the time this magazine goes
to print, Sri Lanka would have razzled and dazzled the world by hosting
the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) awards. Not only
prominently displaying our country with the glorious festival of lights
during the Vesak season but also to be the host to Indian stars at the
IIFA awards (International Indian Film Academy) is certainly a
breakthrough.
As the world witnessed Sri Lanka hosting the 2010 IIFA awards, the
fact that our island nation will get priceless publicity around the
world is truly a mighty achievement. After the struggle of the nearly 30
year conflict, we will hold our heads high and show that we sure have
what it takes to hold large events and be a event tourism destination.
Glitz and glamour unravelled on the green carpet as Indian movie
stars like Lara Dutta who also hosted the show, gave the stars not just
awards but also memories of being warmly welcomed to Sri Lanka. Over 30
A-list stars confirmed their attendance making it a night to remember.
However, we shouldn’t forget the people who worked tirelessly behind
the scenes to make the event a smooth one. In addition to the Sri Lankan
staff, one was Murali Rao, the Head of Production and Operation of the
company Wizcraft, the creative entertainment company of the show. He
said, “Even though there were many obstacles we managed to brave through
the storm to speed up the organizing. We are happy that tonight is going
to be a big night for the stars and most of all, Sri Lanka.”
 With German technicians working round-the-clock, the stage displays a
rather underwater coral-like theme with water spilling with rotating
lights to set a kind-of crystal and watery aqua backdrop. Many locals
and foreigners worked together transforming the Sugathadasa indoor
stadium into a mega international one. Plus, the lucky few limited to
350-500 fans were only entitled to stand against the barricade and snap
pictures of their favourite stars including your very own Sri Lanka
media.
For the week preceding the three-day event, the Presidential Security
division took over because President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the chief
guest for the event. The main entrance of the Sugathadasa stadium was
open for the VIPs and MIPs while the fans went through the other
entrance. Also, since most of the fans couldn’t get up close and
personal with the stars, the outdoor stadium had an IIFA Lankan
celebration. Hard work and determination by everyone made it a brilliant
success. We couldn’t even believe it was in Sri Lanka for the stupendous
effort and teamwork displayed from all fronts proved that anything is
possible if you work collectively!
Pix by Kavindra Perera
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