A press conference was organised by Wizcraft to announce the date of the next IIFA Awards (International Indian Film Academy) at Grand Hyatt on June 19 to be held in Dubai from June 16 to 19. IIFA has been held earlier at London, Sun City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Amsterdam.

Amitabh Bachchan who is the brand ambassador of IIFA along with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (President of Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman of Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises Supreme Committees, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival),Vikram Mehmi ,CEO of IDEA, Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft were present at the press meet. Bachchan answered a volley of questions from the media.

Why was Dubai to be the next venue for IIFA?

First of all I am very very obliged to the IIFA for choosing Dubai as there next venue. For me, away from home – Dubai Is Home. in 80’s when I used to visit Dubai I used to see only one five star hotel. But now when ever I visit Dubai, any year, any month or any day I see a new seven star hotel. For such a progress, growth, visuals, and effort they take, Dubai should be applauded. Secondly Indians are more than the Arabs and people are great fans of Bollywood movies.

You go around the world as a brand ambassador to promote IIFA . What type of preparations you do?

I am very proud to be an Indian and a brand ambassador to promote Indian cinema all over the world, the preparation I have seen of the city and their culture.

Why do such events take place outside India?

It is for the promotion of Bollywood industry abroad and secondly the four days we spend there, we share each others thoughts, Culturally we come closer to each other and it is as if we are all on a holiday.

As you always performed in IIFA, as you have been unwell for a while, are you going to perform?

I might or might not, depending on how my health fares.