Salman responsible for Big B-IIFA fallout?

Salman responsible for Big B-IIFA fallout?

Amitabh Bachchan has been the brand ambassador for International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) right from the start of the awards in 2000. But recently, he severed all ties with the IIFA and Salman Khan seems to be a major cause.

It seems that the speculations about IIFA snubbing Big B are not true, in fact, it is the veteran star who didn't want to be associated with them. And a major cause seems to be Salman Khan.

"Without taking Bachchan's opinion, they not only held the event in Sri Lanka but also signed up Salman Khan to host it. These awards were Bachchan's baby, and hence he was terribly hurt," a source toldMumbai Mirror.

The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce announced a boycott of Colombo by southern actors and filmmakers and said it would shun the Bollywood actors who would choose to go to Sri Lanka. Thereafter, IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya along with Shah Rukh Khan and many others stayed away from the event, reported the tabloid.

However, IIFA wanted Amitabh back and tried hard to make him change his mind. "How can IIFA say 'no' to Bachchan? His popularity cuts across all generations. In fact, they kept coming back to him. They tried their best to persuade him to continue with them, but Bachchan was adamant. He told them politely but firmly that he was not interested in the association anymore," added the source.

Amitabh Bachchan, however, had a different story to tell. "IIFA says my services are not required,” the star had earlier tweeted.

Amitabh Bachchan, who has been the brand ambassador for IIFA since 2000

Amitabh Bachchan, who has been the brand ambassador for IIFA since 2000, is no more associated with it.

Amitabh Bachchan signs for two more seasons of KBC

 Amitabh signs for two more seasons of 'KBC'  

New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who made a roaring comeback to the small screen with the fourth season of the game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" on Sony Entertainment Television last year, has been signed on for the next two seasons as well.

"Sony and I have signed on for KBC for the next two seasons... your blessings and encouragement needed in abundance!" Amitabh posted on his Twitter page.

"Kaun Banega Crorepati", the Indian version of internationally popular show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", was first launched in 2000 on STAR Plus with Amitabh as the host. The show returned for its second season in 2005 once again with Amitabh, but superstar Shah Rukh Khan was roped in as the host of its third season on STAR Plus.

Sony Entertainment Television brought back the show with Amitabh in 2010, and it recieved an overwhelming response, before it ended in December.

Now the channel is excited to carry forward their association.

"We have certainly tied up with Mr. Bachchan for the next two seasons of KBC. The next season will be on this year itself, but we have not planned when it will go on air," Ajit Thakur, executive vice president and business head, Sony Entertainment Television, told IANS.

News IANS & BS

Suspicion of explosion leaves Big B in London's biting cold

Suspicion of explosion leaves Big B in London's biting cold  

New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the London hotel where he is currently staying had to be evacuated on suspicion of an explosion in the property next door, but things are now under control.

Big B first informed of the crisis through Twitter and later gave further details on SMS of the crisis that took place near the St. James Court Hotel.

"Entire hotel evacuated... but promises to be okay soon...no terrorist threat...next door building under construction... had emergency-electric generator due to heavy rain in danger of blowing up, causing the heavy cranes on site to fall on the Hotel St. James Court...would have crushed entire building, hence evacuated...

"My room was closest to the block and just opposite...things in control now, I think...police and fire department on site have cordoned off entire area... but now saying things in control in a little more time... have been out in bitter cold for past two hours... looks okay to go back...I am safe!" Amitabh said in a text message.

Amitabh, 68, left for Europe from Mumbai for work in the wee hours of Saturday.

He had earlier tweeted: "ok ... Emergency in my Hotel in London ..everyone evacuated out on the street in biting cold... Suspecting explosion in next door (sic)...managed to get into a car and driving away from site of emergency .. Police not allowing anyone near..." 

Amitabh Bachchan no longer IIFA brand ambassador

Amitabh Bachchan no longer IIFA brand ambassador  

Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been the brand ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards since their inception in 2000, will no longer perform the role - and the concept itself has been dropped.

"Due to unexplainable reasons, after announcing the event, Mr. Bachchan couldn't participate in the IIFA Weekend in Sri Lanka last year. Following this, IIFA aborted the concept of a Brand Ambassador," Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft entertainment that organizes the event, said in a statement.

"Keeping in mind the huge respect that Wizcraft and IIFA have for Mr. Bachchan and the deep relationship that we've always shared, we are not having anyone replace Mr. Bachchan.

"The Bachchan family has been an intrinsic part of IIFA every year, and in this regard we have already shared with them a proposal about their participation this year too. Mr Bachchan's reason for non-participation is best known to him. IIFA and Mr.Bachchan are inseparable. We will continue to pursue his participation for this year too," Joseph said.

However, there could be more to this than meets the eye as Amitabh confirmed the parting of ways on his Twitter account but put the onus on the IIFA.

"Not coming to Toronto IIFA...IIFA says my services are not required," he Tweeted.