Like Oscars, IIFA doesn't need brand ambassador: Anil Kapoor

Jun 17, 2011 IANS

New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) Comparing the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards with the Oscars, actor Anil Kapoor says just like the Academy Awards have no brand ambassador, the IIFA needs no one to endorse it too. Nevertheless, he says he would miss having megastar Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA's former ambassador, at the event in Toronto this year.

"For any institution which is honest, sincere and transparent and entertains, you don't need a brand ambassador! Have you ever heard of a brand ambassador for Oscars or BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards? For an institution like IIFA, one doesn't need a brand ambassador. Everyone associated is a brand ambassador in himself," Anil told reporters at a press conference here Thursday.

The three-day IIFA Weekend extravaganza, to be held June 23-25, is expected to draw a huge Bollywood turnout including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Saif Ali Khan and others. However, the Bachchan family, that used to be a regular at the event for a decade, will be missing.

"They will be missed and his absence will be felt 100 percent," said Anil, who considers himself a "friend of IIFA".

Anil, who has made a name for himself in the international market too with projects like "Slumdog Millionaire" and TV series "24", recently shot in Toronto for "Mission Impossible 4". He says their hospitality is extremely warm, and that Canadians are awaiting to welcome Bollywood with "open arms".