McGuinty gives Kapoor a rare tour of the Queens Park Legislative Chamber. (Pictures by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
OMNI Television announced recently it is the official Canadian Broadcast Partner of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) 2011, it will broadcast unprecedented coverage of the three-day long weekend and awards celebration to Canadians when it makes its North American debut in Ontario this June.
Premier Dalton McGuinty gave a warm welcome to Bollywood star and International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) ambassador Anil Kapoor at Queen’s Park on a cold wintry afternoon in mid-January.
Anil Kapoor also received a very personal and rare tour of the legislative chamber surrounded by media. Before his private chat at the Premier’s office, McGuinty handed over an Ontario Flag to Anil Kapoor. Then Anil Kapoor requested a hug from the Premier. Later in a press conference Anil Kapoor said how much he appreciated the gift and it is a great honour to receive the Ontario flag and he will preserve it preciously. He further admired the ‘warm and magical’ hug he received at the Queen’s Park.
Premier McGuinty and Anil Kapoor discussed in details the preparation for the IIFA celebrations and awards due to take place in June. It will be the first time that International celebration of Bollywood films will be held in North America.
Ontario Premier did not disappoint Anil Kapoor when the star requested a hug from him in front of his office.
“Anil Kapoor is a great ambassador for Bollywood films around the world. Ontario looks forward to welcome Mr. Kapoor and dozens more actors and filmmakers this June as we showcase our province to the world,” said Premier McGunity.
Preity Zinta arrives at the Fairmount Royal York Hotel in Toronto for the IIFA announcement.
“Premier McGuinty and the Province of Ontario have welcomed Indian cinema with open arms. We are grateful for the unique honour and look forward to celebrating our oneness and building the bridges with a country that has always welcomed South Asians,” said Anil Kapoor.
Anil Kapoor has appeared in over 100 Bollywood films, as well as Academy Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire.
