Anushka Sharma makes her Cannes Red Carpet debut in white ensemble by fashion designer Richard Quinn

26th May, 2023: Anushka Sharma made her red carpet debut at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on Friday and turned heads with her gorgeous attire.

Swati Bhat

The actor accessorised with Gianvito Rossi heels, a luminous unique piece pear shaped white and yellow diamond drop earrings, and Chopard yellow and white diamond rings. Anushka finished off her outfit with a sleek hair bun and minimal makeup.

She has established an enduring legacy through her body of work as an actor, an entrepreneur, a film producer who wants to change how women are portrayed in society, and also as a person who has always stood up for those in need through her non-profit, which has devoted its entire existence to helping and upskilling people in India for more than a decade!

#thecommunique #tcn #tc #event #event2023 #lifestyle #Cannes #Cannes2023 #RedCarpet

IIFA TAKE TWO!

PERFORMANCES BY SALMAN KHAN, JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ, VARUN DHAWAN, KRITI SANON, NORA FATEHI & RAKUL PREET SINGH

IT’S BACK TO YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, AS THE ANNUAL EXTRAVAGANZA KICKS OFF THE BIGGEST TWO DAYS OF BOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT

PERFORMANCES BY AMIT TRIVEDI, ALONG WITH SEVERAL POPULAR SINGERS, BADSHAH, SUNIDHI CHAUHAN, NUCLEYA & SUKHBIR SINGH

25th May 2023, Abu Dhabi: The 23rd International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) kicked off today with a bang. Following the incredible success of IIFA 2022, the 2023 Sobha IIFA Weekend and NEXA IIFA Awards, presented by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, are returning by popular demand to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. For the seventh consecutive year, the iconic brand NEXA is the title sponsor of the NEXA IIFA AWARDS. Sobha Realty is the headline sponsor of the SOBHA IIFA Weekend for the first time. The KUBER Group is a partner in the stunning IIFA celebrations on Yas Island. The largest festival of Indian cinema is scheduled to surprise audiences with its 23rd edition on May 26th and 27th, 2023 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Swati Bhat

The event will be held in Etihad Arena, the Middle East's largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment arena, which is part of the Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island. The Island, located on the beautiful sands of Abu Dhabi, is one of the world's fastest-growing leisure and entertainment attractions. Abu Dhabi's Yas Island is a destination like no other, offering spectacular adventures and awe-inspiring entertainment, as well as three globally famous amusement parks, superb motorsports, an award-winning golf location, and world-class luxury services. Visitors to Yas Island will be able to enjoy a variety of experiences in addition to the arena and Yas Bay. From award-winning theme parks to the world's largest mall, the CLYMBTM Abu Dhabi, 160 dining options, a gorgeous beach and mangroves, premium hospitality stays, and so much more.

This year's hosts Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Farah Khan, and Rajkummar Rao addressed the media at a press conference held at the W Hotel - Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as did performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Iulia Vantur.

PNC Menon, Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, Hans Fraikin - Film and Television Commissioner, and Sandeep Walia were among the dignitaries who joined them for the highly anticipated event, which promises to be a glitzy and glamorous mix.

As Title Sponsor of the SOBHA IIFA Weekend, SOBHA IIFA Rocks 2023, and Co-Presenter of the NEXA IIFA Awards, Sobha Realty would be presenting the star-studded IIFA Weekend. The festivities have begun.

Commenting on the IIFA collaboration, Ravi Menon, Co-chairman of Sobha Realty, said, “We are delighted to be the title sponsors of the 23rd edition of IIFA Weekend. The event will witness the presence of the who’s who of the Indian film industry with the glitz and glamour that makes Indian cinema widely popular. With a rich culture of performing arts in our nation itself, we are honoured to recognize and celebrate the long-standing allure of Indian cinema and its outstanding contributors. Indian films are watched across the world, and we are pleased to welcome the numerous actors, artists, and talents of our nation, further bringing Indian cinema to a global audience. IIFA Awards recognizes the highest quality and artistic expressions in the Indian film sector, just like we at Sobha Realty recognize the value of quality, art, and design in our work.”

NEXA from Maruti Suzuki India Limited stands committed to IIFA continuing their partnership for the seventh consecutive edition as the Title Sponsor of the NEXA IIFA Awards. As the world looks forward to this year's celebration of Hindi cinema with music and fashion at yet another exotic destination, the content promises to be aspirational and entertaining. With its growing popularity across the world, IIFA today is recognized as a global institution in its own right, and a platform that is recognized as the most engaging celebration of Indian cinema.

Mr Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India said, “NEXA has always been at the forefront of innovations and Curating Impeccable Experiences that not only Impress but Inspire. By foraying into the fields of Fashion, Music and Journeys, NEXA has successfully created and inspired multiple unique experiences for its customers. It is for this very reason that NEXA has collaborated with IIFA, which is a platform to recognize India’s top creative talent in the world of cinema and celebrate the best in cinema arts. The association is in its 7th year and both NEXA and IIFA are challenging the status quo to create experiences that are unique and inspiring. With IIFA, we have a perfect association as we share a common vision of creating global experiences, which has established the premium imagery of both brands. We look forward to IIFA 2023 which will be held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to inspire our new-age consumers who seek global experiences in their everyday lives.”

Vinit Mallu, Managing Director, Kuber Group said “'Celebrate the Fusion of Cultural Excellence and Authentic Flavours' is our inspiring mission, which we are promoting through cooperation between Kuber Group and IIFA. This mission emphasises the original flavours provided by the wide range of products offered by the Kuber Group while focusing on the core values of both companies. By showcasing the harmonic fusion of art, culture, and gastronomic pleasures, this cooperation hopes to inspire and engage audiences everywhere with really unique experiences. We are pleased to have worked with IIFA 2023 to align these two pillars of excellence in order to advance the mission's goals of promoting worldwide cultural awareness, gastronomic diversity, and the beauty of Indian cinema.”

Joining as the official travel partner is Ease My Trip – one of India’s leading online travel aggregators, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Country of Host, W Abu Dhabi – Official Host Hotel, LuLu – UAE Promotions Partner, Nabila – Official Hair and Makeup Partner, Izhaar – Official Invitation Partner and High Note – Official Hospitality partner – where you can savour the best of Views and Vibes from Dubai's coolest rooftop lounge, panoramic views, infinity pool, speciality sundowners, vogue shishas, live music and more.

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said, “We are pleased to host the IIFA Awards once again in Abu Dhabi since it marks a significant turning point for our dynamic entertainment calendar. Our relationship with India, which is based on shared cultural and economic interests, has been boosted even further by the fact that Abu Dhabi has served as the setting for a number of Bollywood blockbusters, allowing people all over the world to learn about our stunning country. The biggest celebration of Indian cinema will take place in Abu Dhabi, and we are excited to welcome the illustrious actors, directors, and members of the Indian film community, as well as their supporters.”

Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Group Communication and Destination Marketing said, “We are honoured to once again be hosting the esteemed IIFA Awards 2023 on Yas Island. This exceptional event, set to unite remarkable movie stars on the island, further reinforces our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a global destination for leisure and entertainment. We have a relentless pursuit of excellence and are committed to ensuring all that who visit us create memories that last a lifetime. I can't wait to witness the fans' finally getting to meet their idols and have a memorable weekend on Yas Island. Through events like these, we continue to support Abu Dhabi’s vision to becoming a leading global tourism hub, as well as contributing to the Capital’s growth and economic diversification.”

IIFA 2023 will kickstart the mega celebrations tomorrow – 26th May 2023 with Sobha IIFA Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao and will feature performances by Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya and Sukhbir Singh.

The most highly awaited special addition this year to the Sobha IIFA Rocks is the premiere of an exclusive showcase by leading celebrity designer, Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry.

Host of Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Farah Khan says, “IIFA is a real example of a worldwide phenomenon that not only recognises and honours the excellence of Indian cinema on a global scale but also offers the entire film industry a terrific opportunity. Personally, I am overjoyed to host IIFA Rocks once again.”

Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Co-host Rajkummar Rao said “I think that I am IIFA's biggest fan. Together with Farah Khan, I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to co-host IIFA Rocks. The prospect of having fun and making memories excites me. It's going to be a blast.”

The grand finale – Nexa IIFA Awards will take place on 27th May 2023 and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal along with electrifying performances by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, co-host of Nexa IIFA Awards - Abhishek Bachchan said, "I am thrilled to return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to entertain and meet fans from all over the world. Looking forward to hosting the IIFA Awards."

Co-host of Nexa IIFA Awards - Vicky Kaushal shared,"My journey with IIFA has been tremendously exciting over the years and I can't wait to be on stage and co-host IIFA Awards 2023 with my buddy Abhishek Bachchan!”

A set of masterclasses geared for film aficionados, budding filmmakers, and enthusiasts is one of the highlights of the Sobha IIFA weekend. The masterclass series includes a 'Director's Cut' session with Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar, as well as a session with celebrity hair and makeup artist Nabila.

This year, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Riteish & Genelia D'Souza, Sunny Kaushal, Mouni Roy, Fardeen Khan, Esha Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, Dia Mirza, Rashii Khanna, Sheeba Chaddha, Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh will all be walking the green carpet. Producer Ramesh Taurani is likely to attend the IIFA Weekend and Awards, as are fellow cinema moguls Boney Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar, Jayantilal Gada, Anees Bazmee, and R Madhavan.

IIFA will once again be broadcast exclusively on India's No.1 premium Hindi entertainment channel, COLOURS, with a spectacular lineup of star-studded programming.

Speaking about the partnership, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids’ TV Network, Viacom18 said, "We, at COLORS, are delighted to partner with IIFA yet again to celebrate the excellence of Indian Cinema. Our long-standing partnership with this prestigious award showcases our commitment to recognising the cinematic brilliance and storytelling prowess of the Indian film industry on a global scale. We are thrilled to present to our viewers at COLORS and COLORS Cineplex an entertainment extravaganza filled with spectacular performances and glamour."

#thecommunique #tcn #tc #IIFA2023 #IIFA #YasIsland #AbuDhabi #event #entertainment #event2023 #SalmanKhan #AbhishekBachchan #NEXA #VickyKaushal #FarahKhan #NoraFatehi

IIFA Masterclasses & Workshops With Acclaimed Directors, Kabir Khan & Omung Kumar

Celebrated hair & make-up stylist Nabila to take the audience through refined fashion, style & imagery in her masterclass

Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi director will not only trace his beginnings in cinema during ‘Director’s Cut with Kabir Khan’, along with thoughts and anecdotes but also share five tips for aspiring directors.

The National Award-winning director of Mary Kom, who is also the applauded production designer of films like Black and Saawariya, will draw or create a set design on a chosen subject while conducting ‘A 360 degrees of creativity in Cinema with Omung Kumar’

Swati Bhat

The International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA), India's largest film festival, returns to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on May 26th and 27th for its 23rd edition.

The show this year will be position in the Etihad Arena, the Middle East's largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment stage. Two IIFA Masterclasses - 'Directors Cut with Kabir Khan' and 'A 360 Degrees of Creativity in Cinema with Omung Kumar' - will be held at The Community Hub, part of twofour54's media and entertainment community Yas Creative Hub.

The IIFA 'Directors Cut' series, moderated by Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner Hans Fraikin, will discuss the art of storytelling from behind the camera. The objective of the workshop is to educate, motivate, and inspire film aficionados, film students, and other attendees interested in the Indian film business.

Knowledge exchange with Kabir Khan

Kabir Khan, an Indian film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer, has successfully completed large-scale cinematic projects while maintaining logistical efficiency and creative flare. His 2012 thriller, Ek Tha Tiger, launched Bollywood's most lucrative action franchise and YRF's spy world. Bajrangi Bhaijaan, his 2015 comedy-drama, is one of the highest-grossing Hindi films in the UAE. More recently, his 2021 biographical sports drama, '83,' has received a lot of attention, with one of the biggest openings in global markets, including the UAE.

Kabir will offer his opinions on cinema and some experiences from his 27-year journey, beginning with his early days as a cinematographer on Gautam Ghose's Beyond the Himalayas, a documentary made for the Discovery Channel in 1996. He'll talk about how he discovered his dream of being a filmmaker and how his work in news and documentaries shaped his career as a feature film director. During the talk, Kabir will also discuss how he chooses stories and refines scripts, as well as his distinctive storytelling style and thoughts on the future of the cinema business.

The session has already generated a great deal of attention. Kabir is thrilled to discuss unique case studies, notes on character creation and casting, and his process for putting his vision to the screen.

"I'm looking forward to the interaction because it will allow me to reflect and introspect on my choices." This type of knowledge sharing not only provides for interesting discourse, but it also benefits cinema. "I will not only be celebrating box-office wins and awards, but also reflecting on the failures of projects one was passionate about, as well as negative press that can dent your confidence as a filmmaker temporarily, but never keep you down," says Kabir, who will share details about his dream projects and future plans, as well as five tips for aspiring directors.

Interactive Session and Creation with Omung Kumar

The Masterclass with Omung Kumar promises to be equally captivating. Omung is an award-winning artist, production designer, art director, writer, and director in Indian cinema and television. He has been praised as a "creative genius" by many.

From being a TV host and aspiring actor, he went on to handle production design for a number of major films, including Chameli, Black, and Sawaariya. Omung made his directorial debut in 2014 with the Mary Kom biography, which won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He went on to direct three more films, including one about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Omung will discuss how his dream of being an actor enabled him to understand and develop his creative streak. He will also reveal how long it takes to create an ‘Omung Kumar’ piece of art. “I will be sharing a case study or two from favourite projects, along with influences and inspirations that helped create these works of art. The idea is to help understand how to take their flair for painting into the world of film and television,” asserts the production designer and filmmaker Omung Kumar.

During the session, Omung could also be persuaded to pick one TV show that he would love to recreate, explaining how he would change it from its existing style.

While debating on the standout moments in his career as an art director, Omung will share what inspired him to direct a challenging genre like a sports biopic of a living person still winning laurels, his prep for Mary Kom and how much being an artist has impacted his work as a director. “The interaction will be a journey in itself, starting from the beginning to what I am doing next, if the awards and accolades have influenced my thoughts and changed my work, along with a few words of wisdom for those who plan to follow me into the industry,” he says.

Omung will not only explain his work in television, films, and what he has made, but he will also draw or build a set design on a chosen subject while doing the masterclass. This piece will be auctioned off for charity or donated to Yas Creative Hub, where it will be displayed prominently.

Know more about Hair and Makeup

ZERO Makeup and team NABILA partnered with the acclaimed International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA’s) in 2018 and are going to be the official hair and makeup partners for the 23rd Edition OF IIFA Weekend and Awards, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The fabulous partnership has led to the upcoming collaboration, where Nabila’s well-honed aesthetics and innovation will once again be seen on the IIFA stage.

With an instinctive ability to anticipate trends, Nabila has consistently fueled her career's upward spiral with new milestones and iconic photographs. The brand now leads a network of salons known for their cutting-edge procedures. The team continuously collaborates with a wide range of award ceremonies and fashion weeks, having received over 100 accolades and earning global relevance as a creative force.

Ahead of the masterclass, Nabila said, “I am thankful to IIFA for adding the hair and makeup segment to the creative workshop series. Here I will share insights into the pitch, process and production involved in image making.”

Abu Dhabi, a destination for global film production

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission has welcomed the chance to host these three masterclasses during IIFA 2023 in May.

“These masterclasses help connect commercially successful and critically acclaimed filmmakers, like Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar, with an audience that shares the same interest in the art of filmmaking. The workshops will prove to be immensely beneficial for both creatives looking to pursue a career in film as well as established filmmakers who want to evolve their skills and understand their trade better.

“Abu Dhabi Film Commission has always focused on developing the incredible talent in this region and supporting film industries from across the globe. This is especially true for Indian cinema, which is extremely popular in the UAE and regularly supported by ADFC (Abu Dhabi Financial Center) through the services we provide and the 30% cashback rebate we offer. We have worked closely with numerous major Indian productions and will continue to support the Indian film industry as it continues to grow, flourish and thrive,” says Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner.

#thecommunique #tc #tcn #event #entertainment #awards #event2023 #IIFA2023 #IIFA #KabirKhan #OmangKumar #Nabila #ADFC #HansFraikin