Shalendra Bunsill shares memories of his fascination with Indian cinema, which began in his teenage years. He was captivated by the powerful emotions, colorful romantic stories, bright stars, melodious music, dramatic plots, and exquisite lyrics of Indian cinema.
In South Africa, these magical melodies and stories spread among Indian households primarily through radio. What started as youthful curiosity gradually turned into a deep passion, becoming an integral part of his professional career in television and radio.
After the end of the apartheid era, Indian cinema began to transform in South Africa, as major film networks actively promoted Bollywood into the mainstream. The industry underwent colossal changes thanks to blockbusters, satellite television, and a growing international audience. A landmark moment was the launch of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) in 2000.
IIFA was founded by three friends from Wizcraft International with the aim of presenting Indian cinema on the world stage. What initially was a one-day awards ceremony at the Millennium Dome in London, celebrating achievements in the Indian film industry, later evolved into the famous IIFA Weekend.
After 26 years, IIFA has presented Indian cinema to audiences worldwide, including South Africa (in 2001 and 2003), as well as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Canada, Netherlands, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Singapore. Beyond celebrating cinema, culture, and entertainment, the IIFA movement has created opportunities for business, talent, and international cooperation, bringing significant tourism benefits to the host regions.
Bunsill's personal connection with IIFA began in 2001 when events were held in Sandton, reinforcing the shared vision of the power of cinema in uniting people, cultures, and communities. Over more than two decades of involvement in the IIFA movement alongside a business partner and friend, he has experienced countless unforgettable moments, but the first always holds a special place in his heart.
He recalls watching Amir Khan's film 'Lagaan,' which was nominated for an Oscar, at a star premiere in Sandton, surrounded by actors and the crew, leaving an indelible and surreal impression. It was one of those exceptional moments when the magic of cinema transcended the screen and became a precious personal memory.
Other highlights in his list include celebrating birthdays with Bipasha Basu Gover and her husband Karan Singh Grover, insightful conversations with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, dancing on the red carpet with Abhishek Bachchan, and building long-term relationships with celebrities, international media, and the wonderful IIFA team, whose hospitality always made the experience special.
He considers receiving a special trophy in 2024 for attending 20 IIFA events and sharing love with the audience in South Africa as his most personal achievement.
An unchanging element of this incredible journey remains the sincere affection and gratitude that Bollywood stars feel for their fans in South Africa. He particularly highlights two moments: Amitabh Bachchan's warm recollection of visiting the Chatsworth Centre and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's memories of the Miss World coronation in Sandton in 1994. These events serve as a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable bond between Indian cinema and South African viewers.
Over time, the IIFA Weekend continued to evolve, incorporating sports events with stars, spectacular fashion shows, and exclusive previews of upcoming films. Each addition gave the celebration a new dimension, evoking excitement, anticipation, and a sense of solemnity among fans and industry workers.
Despite the evolution of the program, the spirit of the movement continues to expand. This includes the launch of IIFA Utsavam—a celebration of South Indian cinema that recognizes outstanding achievements in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries. In addition to glamorous red carpet fashion and vibrant stage performances, the IIFA Rocks music night, held before the main ceremony with live concerts by leading Bollywood composers, singers, and instrumentalists, often accompanied by designer fashion shows, remains one of Bunsill's favorite moments at IIFA Weekend.
Following the successful silver jubilee celebration in Jaipur in 2025, the IIFA Weekend & Awards will once again take place at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in 2027, marking the fourth event in that city and signaling a new chapter in its distinguished global journey. IIFA 2027 promises two days of thrilling entertainment, gathering stars, music, dazzling performances, and cinematic excellence. It will once again be a global meeting point for audiences, artists, creators, and communities from around the world.
The IIFA Awards 2027 ceremony will be hosted by Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan, with performances by Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor. Meanwhile, the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will be presented by renowned actors Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, who will bring an electric blend of glamour, entertainment, and cinematic splendor to the IIFA 2027 stage.
Andre Timmins, founder and director of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards, noted: 'Every new chapter of IIFA has been driven by one ambition: to carry the magic, emotion, and extraordinary power of Indian cinema across the world. In 2027, this ambition grows even greater. Returning to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for our fourth show is incredibly special. Abu Dhabi welcomed IIFA, our film fraternity, and our audience with extraordinary warmth, and together we created truly memorable moments. At this IIFA, we want to raise the bar even higher: bigger stars, more impressive events, deeper fan engagement, and a celebration that goes far beyond the arena.'
As anticipation builds for another stellar and energetic celebration, South African film lovers can remain hopeful that the grand event will return to the country for a third time.
