IIFA 2028 USA Plans: Andre Timmins Outlines Indian Cinema–Hollywood Collaboration and Regional Expansion

IIFA 2028 USA: Andre Timmins Reveals Expansion Plans

The International Indian Film Academy is preparing to expand its global presence, with co-founder Andre Timmins announcing plans for an international IIFA platform in the United States in 2028, bringing Indian cinema and Hollywood closer through entertainment and industry collaboration.

Swati Bhat

In an interview with Times of Oman, Timmins described the proposed initiative as an English-language event recognising Indian and Hollywood cinema. “We are launching IIFA America in 2028, which is going to be fully English,” he said.

IIFA 2028 USA: Connecting Creativity and Business

According to the announcement details shared for this report, the founders Andre Timmins, Sabbas Joseph and Viraf Sarkari see closer engagement between the Indian film industry and Hollywood as an opportunity to combine creative strengths while developing business relationships.

The ambition extends beyond bringing international celebrities onto one stage. A platform connecting the two industries could encourage conversations around storytelling, production partnerships, music and access to wider audiences. These remain potential opportunities rather than announced commercial agreements.

Timmins has outlined possible collaborations involving Indian and international entertainers in published interviews. Those examples illustrate the proposed format; they do not constitute confirmed appearances or performances. The American initiative has also been described as a separate international event within IIFA’s wider expansion plans.

“We are launching IIFA America in 2028, which is going to be fully English,” Timmins said, outlining his vision for a global entertainment platform bringing together leading names from the Indian and American entertainment industries.

Illustrating the creative possibilities, he said, “The content is going to be like for example say a Shah Rukh and Kevin Hart hosting. It’s like Billie Eilish and A.R. Rahman performing. It’s like Hrithik and Jennifer Lopez.” These examples reflect the collaborations Timmins envisages for the platform, rather than confirmed appearances. “So we are launching an international version in 2028, which the world is waiting for. That will be a different event. But it’s again honouring Hollywood and Indian cinema.” Timmins emphasised that the expansion aims to strengthen connections between the two film industries while preserving IIFA’s Indian identity and its commitment to recognising talent from India. “We are not leaving our roots from here,” he said. “I’m still honouring people from India.”

Gujarati and Marathi Cinema Feature in Regional Plans

Alongside its international ambitions, IIFA is developing platforms for regional Indian cinema.

IIFA Rangilo, dedicated to Gujarati cinema, culture and creative talent, has been announced with a planned launch in 2027. Timmins also met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss the initiative and its vision for giving Gujarati filmmaking a broader platform.

The announcement details supplied for this report also indicate plans for an IIFA platform celebrating the Marathi film industry in the near future. A launch date, venue and awards structure were not specified in those details.

Together, the proposed American platform and regional initiatives point towards a wider ambition: creating more opportunities for Indian cinema’s different languages, talent and stories to connect with audiences and industry partners internationally.

#entertainment #event #global #business #future #iifa2028

Upasana Kamineni Konidela Appointed Director – Projects as Apollo Hospitals Advances ₹8,600-Crore Expansion Across India

Upasana Kamineni Konidela has taken on the role of Director – Projects at Apollo Hospitals, as the healthcare group moves ahead with an estimated ₹8,600/- crore expansion programme spanning new hospitals, brownfield projects and upgrades across its network in India.

Swati Bhat

In her new responsibility, Upasana will work closely with Apollo’s leadership, clinical teams and project partners on the planning and execution of hospital projects across the country. Her mandate will cover new facilities as well as expansions and upgrades to existing hospitals, with a focus on creating consistent standards across patient-facing spaces.

A key part of the role will be improving the overall hospital experience through practical design and planning. This includes clearer signage and wayfinding, easier navigation, efficient clinical spaces and environments designed to make patients and their families feel more comfortable during their time at the hospital.

Upasana will also work with project teams on strengthening processes, reporting and coordination from the design stage through to the opening of new facilities.

Apollo’s current expansion programme has an estimated total project cost of approximately ₹8,600 crore, including around ₹1,565 crore in listed brownfield expansion projects at existing facilities. The broader programme combines capacity expansion in established markets with the development of new facilities in growing urban centres.

Published plans identify projects across Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru, along with locations including Lucknow, Varanasi, Indore, Guwahati and Ranchi, among others. The specific projects and budgets falling under Upasana Kamineni Konidela’s mandate will be confirmed by Apollo.

Beyond adding physical capacity, the expansion reflects a broader focus on making advanced healthcare more accessible and easier to navigate. Hospitals serve not only as centres for treatment but also as important local ecosystems supporting doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals and the communities around them.

Apollo has also continued to position its healthcare network around prevention and early diagnosis alongside clinical treatment, with the wider objective of making quality healthcare more accessible while strengthening India’s position as a destination for international patients.

Speaking about her new responsibility, Upasana Kamineni Konidela said that the role builds on the healthcare philosophy established by her grandfather, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, who founded Apollo Hospitals.

“My grandfather, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, built Apollo on the belief that world-class healthcare should be within reach of people in India. My responsibility is to carry that belief into the hospitals we build and the facilities we improve.”

She further emphasised the importance of human-centred hospital design, adding that patients should be able to navigate facilities without confusion while families feel supported and healthcare professionals have spaces that enable them to deliver quality care.

As Apollo expands its physical footprint, Upasana’s projects mandate places emphasis on connecting infrastructure with the everyday experience of patients, families and healthcare teams. The objective is to ensure that the next phase of hospital development is not only about increasing capacity but also about making healthcare environments more accessible, functional and patient-friendly.

#lifestyle #RamCharan #UpasanaKamineni #ApolloHospital #helathcare #business

Salman Khan’s ₹10,000 Crore Bet Could Transform Telangana’s Film Industry

Hyderabad: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to make a landmark investment of nearly ₹10,000 crore in Telangana, with plans to develop a 500-acre integrated township and a world-class film studio complex, according to sources aware of the development.

The proposed project is expected to significantly strengthen Telangana’s position as a leading destination for film production and media infrastructure in India. The large-scale development will include cutting-edge film studios, sound stages, post-production and VFX facilities, along with residential, commercial, hospitality, and recreational zones within a self-sustained township.

Sources indicate that discussions between Salman Khan’s team and Telangana government officials have been progressing, with the project aligning closely with the state’s vision to attract high-value investments in the media and entertainment sector. Telangana has been actively promoting itself as a global filmmaking hub through policy support, infrastructure development, and investor-friendly initiatives.

Industry experts believe the project could create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, boost local businesses, and draw international film productions to the region. The planned film studio is expected to meet global standards, making it competitive with international film cities.

For Salman Khan, the investment marks a major expansion beyond his on-screen career, reinforcing his role as a key stakeholder in India’s evolving entertainment ecosystem. Once completed, the project is likely to emerge as one of the largest private film infrastructure ventures in the country, further enhancing Telangana’s growing reputation as a cinema and creative industry powerhouse.

#salmankhan #lifestyle #event #telangana #filmcity #township #business #future #india