MUMBAI: Wal-Mart Stores Inc will be the main sponsor of the ninth annual Bollywood Movie Awards to be held at the Nassau Coliseum in New York City on 26 May 2007.

The awards will honour achievements of Indian filmmakers and artistes over the last year, says a release.

Among the celebrities slated to perform at the event include Bipasha Basu, Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi, Urmila Matondkar, Soha Ali Khan, Neha Dhupia, Kangana Ranaut. television actorr Mona Singh, UK actor Raghav, Pakistani actor and singer Shahida Mini, Caribbean Singer Ricki Ramdehal and Pakistani singer Waris Beg.

Other stars confirmed to attend are Danny Glover, Phylicia Rashad of The Cosby Show, Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher, Upen Patel and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, the release adds.

“Bollywood brings an important cultural experience and rich history to the city of New York while contributing to the influence of American cinema. As a global retailer, it’s important that we demonstrate our commitment to diversity. Supporting the Bollywood Awards is a great opportunity for us to further promote the initiatives of the Asian American and Pacific-Islander community,” says Wal-Mart Stores’ senior vice president, diversity relations Esther Silver-Parker.