The first edition of IIFA Utsavam that was supposed to be held in Hyderabad from December 4 to December 6 has been postponed. The next date for the event will be decided in January.
The reason for postponing the awards show is to show solidarity towards the people of Chennai, where the tragic floods have caused havoc.
The IIFA leadership with all its key stakeholders, the South Indian film industry, Chief Minister of Telangana state, K. Chandrashekar Rao and Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan took a unanimous decision to postpone the event.
“Many Tamil film celebrities were supposed to attend this event but with most of the communication cut off from Chennai, it is not possible for them to attend. Moreover, it is not the right time for celebrations as thousands have been left stranded because of the natural calamity,” says the source.
The organisers have also decided that the rescheduled event will also integrate a fundraiser on a large scale in support of Chennai. Andre Timmins, founder and director of Wizcraft International, who is organising this event, says, “Today, we are one with the city of Chennai and together with the film industry, we will show our complete support in aid of those affected by this tragedy. The first edition of IIFA Utsavam in conjunction with the film industries of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam will be held later as a fundraiser for the victims. We are saddened by this disaster and our prayers are with the people of the city.”
IIFA will be making strenuous efforts towards helping the victims of the disaster.
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