THE INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY (IIFA) WEEKEND & AWARDS AND TELANGANA GOVERNMENT ESTABLISH PIONEERING MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP

Telangana to Host IIFA Utsavam in Hyderabad (2026–2028)

Swati Bhat

In a historic milestone for India’s cultural diplomacy and creative economy, the Government of Telangana has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards and IIFA Utsavam. Revealed at the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, this landmark collaboration positions India’s youngest state as a global cultural powerhouse and a thriving hub for cinema, creativity, innovation, and talent.

At the heart of this alliance is a transformative dual global strategy: ‘Taking Telangana to the World at IIFA 2026’ and ‘Bringing the World to Telangana through IIFA Utsavam from 2026 to 2028’. As the Official Partner State for IIFA 2026, Telangana will gain unmatched visibility across IIFA’s global broadcast network spanning over 120 countries, reaching more than 2.5 billion viewers. This unprecedented exposure is set to elevate the State’s global identity, attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and deepen engagement with the international diaspora and creative industries worldwide.

Simultaneously, Hyderabad will host IIFA Utsavam for three consecutive years, celebrating the vibrancy of Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors annually, reinforcing Telangana’s emergence as the cultural capital of South India and a high-impact destination for film-led tourism. The multi-year hosting will also strengthen the State’s hospitality, entertainment, events, retail, digital media, and film-production sectors—further accelerating Telangana’s rise as a global creative-economy hub.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri A. Revanth Reddy, emphasized the State’s bold vision:“Following the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, Telangana is proud to announce a transformative partnership with IIFA, one of India’s most influential cultural institutions. Through IIFA 2026, we will take the story of Telangana to the world, and through IIFA Utsavam from 2026 to 2028, we will bring the world back to our State… Telangana Rising is unstoppable. Come, join the rise.”

This partnership is closely aligned with Telangana’s long-term vision to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034 and contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2047. By integrating IIFA into this roadmap, Telangana aims to expand the creative economy, promote the ‘Film in Telangana’ initiative, foster youth skill development through TASK, and strengthen global cultural diplomacy.

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary (SPEED), reiterated that this partnership perfectly complements Telangana’s Tourism Policy 2025–2030, which aims to position the State as India’s most preferred destination for culture, creativity, and global engagement.

For 25 years, IIFA has built a formidable legacy across global capitals—from London and New York to Amsterdam, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid. With massive international viewership, powerful soft-power influence, and unparalleled global reach, IIFA now joins hands with Telangana to shape a new chapter for Indian cinema on the world stage.

Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, hailed the alliance as a “shared mission to build a legacy that resonates across generations,” reaffirming IIFA’s commitment to elevating Telangana’s cultural voice and positioning Hyderabad as a global creative and innovation epicentre.

This historic partnership marks a defining moment for Telangana and for India—where cinema becomes the bridge, culture becomes the catalyst, and Telangana steps onto the world stage with unstoppable momentum.

#event2026 #entertainment #art #IIFA #IIFA2026 #IIFAUtsavam #event

Dalai Lama Unveils 'Forest Resources in India' Initiative for Climate and Conservation

On Friday, the Dalai Lama, a highly respected spiritual leader, presented the National Book Trust's publication titled 'Forest Resources in India: Integrative Governance and Community Participation for Sustainable Future' at McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala. The authors of the book are Sushil Kumar Singla, Rakesh B. Sinha, and Krishan Kumar Raina.

At the launch event, the Dalai Lama signed a copy of the book. Author Sushil Kumar Singla provided him with an overview of the book's themes, structure, and research findings.

The book offers an in-depth analysis of sustainable forest management in India, emphasizing the cultural traditions of nature conservation embedded in Indian heritage. It highlights the crucial roles of women and local communities, as well as the governance frameworks that influence forest policies. The book stresses the interconnectedness of sectors such as agriculture, environment, tribal development, and climate change, and underscores the collective responsibility of States and Union Territories to harmonize development with conservation.

The book's epilogue states that "India is making significant progress towards achieving the national forest policy goal of covering one-third of its land area with forests and tree cover by adhering to the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas. Our collective efforts must be aligned to bring about meaningful change for everyone, especially the most disadvantaged. Forestry should focus on creating livelihoods, achieving self-sufficiency, and increasing its contribution to the country's GDP and the Agriculture Sector." It also notes that "while constitutional provisions and regulations have effectively supported sustainable forest management, the current pressures on forests and natural resources should not deter us from pursuing deregulation, simplification, and comprehensive reforms in the forest sector. These reforms aim to ensure not only the Ease of Doing Business but also the Speed of Doing Business, ultimately leading to the Ease of Living." The publication advocates for a balanced approach between regulation and development, promoting strategic partnerships between public and private sectors to achieve both "Ease of Doing Business" and "Ease of Living." India is committed to expanding its forest and tree cover through collaborative principles, focusing on forestry's role in livelihoods, self-sufficiency, and GDP growth. The book calls for collaboration across related sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, tribal affairs, environment, rural development, Panchayati Raj institutions, and tourism. It stresses the importance of stakeholder and local community involvement in governance and monitoring.

#lifestyle #event #art #DalaiLama #SushilKumarSingla

Iconic Bike of "Sholay" at IFFI 2025 premises is actually a War Bike!!!

Mr. Hemant Nimbalkar, a co-owner of this cinematic nostalgia, provided Swati Bhat with some exclusive insights on the iconic bike from the film "Sholay" and Jai and Veeru's Off-Screen love for this machine!

Swati Bhat

Iconic Sholay Motorcycle Shines at IFFI 2025: The 1942 BSA WM20 Draws Fans, Nostalgia, and Tribute to one of the most beloved, handsome, and legendary actors of all time, Shri Dharmendra (Dharmendra Singh Deol), who was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

The legendary 1942 BSA WM20 motorcycle, immortalised in the timeless friendship anthem “Yeh Dosti…” from the 1975 Bollywood classic Sholay, is once again capturing hearts — this time at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa. Far from the rugged Ramanagara hills where it once sped across the screen with Jai and Veeru, the vintage war-time bike now stands as a shimmering tribute to a film that defined Indian pop culture.

Showcased by the Karnataka Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the motorcycle has been preserved with extraordinary care for over 83 years. Its appearance at IFFI comes at an especially emotional moment, following the recent passing of Dharmendra, whose unforgettable performance in Sholay shaped generations of cinema lovers.

A Treasure Preserved Through Decades

A/V by Pritish Bagdi

Owned by Mr. L.K. Atheeq of Bengaluru, former Additional Chief Secretary and Chairperson of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, the BSA WM20 is more than a collector’s item. It is a moving piece of cinematic and military history. Featuring a 350cc engine, the motorcycle was originally manufactured as a wartime model. Where the ‘W’ in WM20 stands for ‘War’. Production of this model ended in 1950, making surviving units extraordinarily rare.

Mr. Atheeq acquired the bike three years ago and invested significantly in restoring it with original BSA parts sourced from across the world. “People often mistake it for a Bullet,” he joked, noting its classic design and robust frame. Only one component, the oil filter is yet to be replaced, and is expected to arrive later this year.

Despite its age, the bike remains fully operational. “Just the sidecar couldn’t be reattached; that’s my only regret,” said Mr. Hemant, who has closely overseen the preservation efforts. “Otherwise, the motorcycle is very much in running condition.”

A Bike That Captured Real-Life Friendship Too

Beyond its on-screen legacy, the BSA WM20 also holds a special place in the personal memories of the stars themselves. Late Shri Dharmendra and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan were known to love roaming around on this very motorcycle even after their shoot pack-ups. The duo shared a warm, genuine bond with the bike much like the unforgettable friendship of Jai and Veeru. They created countless off-screen memories riding it together, reinforcing its status as a symbol of true companionship both on and off the set.

This emotional connection makes the bike’s appearance at IFFI 2025 even more meaningful, serving as a reminder of the deep camaraderie that defined one of Indian cinema’s most iconic partnerships.

A Tribute to Sholay’s 50-Year Legacy

For Mr. Hemant Nimbalkar, Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of DIPR, the display is both nostalgic and symbolic. “We wanted to commemorate 50 years of Sholay with something that would appeal to people’s memories,” he said. “No place other than Bengaluru could do it, as the movie was shot around here.”

Visitors at IFFI have been flocking to the bike, capturing photos and asking the same question: “Does it still run?”Nimbalkar feels proud every time he replies: “Yes, the 83-year-old motorcycle is very much in running condition.”

A Bridge Between Eras

The motorcycle, registered as MYB 3047 in the erstwhile Mysore State, has journeyed through generations. Originally belonging to a Karnataka family, it was passed down from grandfather to grandson before becoming part of Atheeq’s cherished collection. His own bond with the film runs deep. He remembers travelling from Akkirampura in Koratagere taluk and waiting five long hours outside Bengaluru’s Kapali Theatre to watch Sholay as a kid.

Today, the BSA WM20 stands proudly at IFFI 2025, merging the past with the present. Flashing a gleaming symbol of friendship, heritage, and Karnataka’s quiet yet pivotal role in shaping one of the India’s greatest cinematic masterpieces.

With the passing of Shri Dharmendra, the motorcycle’s presence offers a heartfelt tribute to the star whose warmth, charm and screen magic continue to live on just like the unforgettable ride of Jai and Veeru.

#entertainment #iffi #iffi2025 #event #art #nostalgia #amitabhbachchan #sholay #dharmendra