IIFA Utsavam festivities kick off with grand official India presser

HYDERABAD: Celebrating the achievements of South Indian cinema and highlighting the excellence of the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film industries, IIFA Utsavam 2024 is launching its global journey on Yas Island in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi this September 2024.

The event is being hosted under the honourable patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and is being organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, a renowned creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Anticipation soared to unprecedented levels as the global festivities of IIFA Utsavam kicked off with a grand official India press conference in Hyderabad, India, on Tuesday. IIFA Utsavam official India press conference set the stage for the highly anticipated two-day extravaganza that is all set to celebrate the achievements of South Indian cinema and honour the vibrant Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film industries’ cinematic luminaries.

Radiating with excitement, the event featured an impressive gathering of South Indian film industry’s stalwarts including IIFA Utsavam hosts and performers who were joined by southern cinema pioneers, industry leaders, international and national dignitaries and key media representatives.

In attendance were the titans of South Indian cinema, including Rana Daggubati, Rockstar DSP, Teja Sajja, Raashi Khanna, Sreeleela, Vijay Raghavendra, Pearle Maaney, Pragya Jaiswal, Malashree Ramanna, Aradhana Ram, Sudhev Nair, Simran Rishi Bagga, Resul Pookutty, Kushboo, Sagar (playback singer, Telugu films), Mangli (playback singer, Telugu films), Nithiin, Akshara Haasan, Teja Dharma, D. Suresh Babu, K. S. Rama Rao, Allu Aravind, Sharrath Marar, Sathish and Navdeep among many others.

Adding grandeur to the event with their presence at the press conference were key esteemed dignitaries and partners of IIFA Utsavam 2024; Abdulla Yousuf Mohammad, International Operations Department Director, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Nawaf Ali Aljahdami Festivals Unit Head, Abu Dhabi Events Bureau Department (DCT); Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director Group Communications Destinations Marketing, Miral, Yas Island; Mrs Faridah F Ajmal, Founder, Faridah Ajmal Perfumes; Prithvi Anand, Director of Sales and Marketing, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, V Cabs India; Gnaneshwhar Venkatesh Sadhu and P Kiran, Head Of Gemini TV, Sun Network.

Taghrid AlSaeed, Miral’s Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing, said: “We are thrilled to welcome IIFA Utsavam 2024 to Yas Island, further solidifying the island’s position as a premier global destination for entertainment. This event highlights our commitment to celebrating cultural diversity through world-class experiences. Partnering to bring the vibrant talents of South Indian cinema to Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone as we look forward to a spectacular showcase this September, uniting fans and artists in an unforgettable celebration of cinematic excellence.”

The event highlighted the extraordinary talent and growing recognition of South India’s vibrant storytelling, underscoring the region’s rising prominence in the cinematic world.

As the press conference progressed, the event offered a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Indian cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity that will be celebrated at this year’s awards featuring captivating conversations and moments with IIFA Utsavam’s hosts and performers.

The press conference featured a captivating moment led by IIFA Utsavam’s Telugu segment hosts Rana Daggubati and Teja Sajja. They were joined by performers Raashii Khanna and Sreeleela to discuss the diverse array of films and performances set for IIFA Utsavam 2024.

Adding another vibrant dimension to the event, further enriching the gathering with their perspectives and contributions, were IIFA Utsavam’s Kannada host Vijay Raghavendra, taking the stage to invite performer Pragya Jaiswal along with Malashree and Aradhana Ram.

Followed by captivating discussions on South Indian cinema, led by IIFA Utsavam Malayalam hosts Pearle Maaney and Sudev Nair, the conversation was enriched by the participation of Kushboo, Akshara Haasan and Simran Rishi Bagga on stage.

Together, they engaged in a dynamic and engaging interaction, delving into the intricacies of the South Indian film industry and beyond.

IIFA Utsavam 2024 is set to take place on September 6 and 7 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The highly anticipated two-day celebration promises to immerse audiences in a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences.

At the press conference, expressing his excitement, Andre Timmins, Founder/Director of IIFA Utsavam, commented, “We are deeply privileged to announce our return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, under the honourable patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. IIFA Utsavam is poised to ignite the global stage once more, uniting the formidable industries of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.”

He emphasised, “As we celebrate cinema of the South, IIFA Utsavam aims to spotlight vibrant storytelling and talent for a global audience, reaffirming the global significance of South Indian cinema and its profound contribution to the world of entertainment.”

Andre Timmins added, “Our vision has been to create a platform where the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of South Indian cinema can shine brightly, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of its rich Cinematic heritage on an international scale.”

September 6: Tamil and Malayalam: Day One will spotlight the vibrant worlds of Tamil and Malayalam cinema, showcasing their unique storytelling and cultural richness.

Hosts: Pearle Maaney, Sudev Nair

Performers: Prabhu Deva, Regina Cassandra, Shane Nigam

September 7: Telugu and Kannada: On Day Two the spotlight will shift to Telugu and Kannada cinema, offering audiences a dynamic array of films and performances from these vibrant industries.

Hosts: Rana Daggubati, Akul Balaji, Vijay Raghavendra, Teja Sajja

Performers: Rockstar DSP, Rakul Preet Singh, Sreeleela, Raashii Khanna, Pragya Jaiswal, Aradhana Ram, Malashree Ramanna

From the glitterati of the South Indian film industries to international dignitaries, media representatives, and movie enthusiasts from around the globe, IIFA Utsavam 2024 aims to foster meaningful connections and partnerships, an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and celebration among luminaries who have shaped the landscape of entertainment globally.