IIFA manages to pull off without many top Bollywood players

Despite the absence of many top Bollywood stars, the IIFA 2009(International Indian Film Academy) pulled off as a gala event amidst much glamour and glitter. It was a special event for the host Amitabh Bachchan as his wax statue from Madame Tassauds has been unveiled at this ceremony and was displayed there till June 13 after which it was sent back to London.

An overwhelmed Big B said, “I am very happy and I thank Madame Tussauds for considering me worthy of a wax statue. I hope many more from India fraternity join me in the museum.”

Daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai said, “The statue is nice but you can’t beat the original.”

The fashion extravaganza held at Venetian Hotel on June 12 was hosted by celebrity duo Zayed Khan and Sophie Choudhary, who appeared in Manav Gangwani creations. Many Bollywood stars walked the ramp showcasing creations by leading Indian designers Rocky S, Manav Gangwani, Anamika Khanna and Farah Ali Khan — along with a new collection by Hong Kong designer Chris Chang. Hrithik and wife Suzzane Roshan showcased the jewelary by Farah Ali Khan. Sonam Kapoor carried the stylish evening wear by Anamika Khanna with commendable poise. Bipasha Basu appeared in a creation by Rocky S, while Dia Mirza, Dino Morea and Madhavan modeled for Manav Gangwani, and Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse were show-stoppers for Siyaram. As an icing to the cake was the performance by international singing sensation Peter Andre.

The event also saw performance by the host family members Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Inspite of the absence of beau John Abraham, Bipasha Basu gave a dazzling performance. Nonetheless, IIFA, this year, missed many key players including SRK, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Ajay Devgan, and Rani Mukherji to list a few.