Bollywood is probably the only film industry whose actors have problems and tantrums when attending award shows. It’s sad because there was a time when award shows were the most looked-forward event with all stars in attendance. It was a respectful event for many years until PR people decided to get smart and turn award shows into money-making television show. Now, there are so many awards functions at different times of the year. IIFA was one of the coolest awards shows, without a doubt. So many stars under the same roof and that too, overseas. What was fun about IIFA was its segments during the show. Its hosts of many years were amazing at their skits. Boman Irani, Lara Dutta and Riteish Deshmukh were the funniest hosts. The best part of the IIFA awards were its movies’ nominations recap segment when the hosts play out scenes from the films nominated. These days, we have to make do with senseless hosts, such as Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar. Damn, those were the good days!

Mid-Day published this blind item about IIFA awards and what the management is facing. We didn’t post it as a blind item because there’s no specific star mentioned, but it is an interesting piece, so do check it out. Our sympathies are with the IIFA management people. Best of luck and don’t forget to take your blood pressure meds on time.

IIFA Awards

Of star egos and tantrums

As the run up to a big international fillum awards draws near, the tension writ large on the faces of its organisers gets more palpable. “It’s a nightmare,” said one lady, a mid-level executive in the event managing company that holds the brief to host the occasion on foreign shores.

“You cannot imagine how petty and egoistical the stars behave. From demanding all kinds of extras (like presidential suites at hotels and private limos and shopping expeditions while they are there), to accommodating their epic tantrums about not wanting to share hotels or stage time with their peers, it’s like being placed in an emotional spin dryer for us,” she wailed.

What’s the upside? The upside is that it’s all over within a week and we have a whole year to pass before the nightmare begins again.” Oh dear. Everyone looks so happy on the TV broadcasts.