Amitabh Bachchan will not perform at the IIFA show to be held in Dubai in June this year.
Bachchan, brand ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy Awards, has said that, in all probability, his health will not permit him to perform a dance show.
At last year's awards in Amsterdam, Bachchan's performance of Kajra Re with son Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai was one of the show's most thrilling moments. Unfortunately, in November 2005, Bachchan had to undergo an intestinal operation and was advised rest after he was discharged from hospital on December 17.
Asked if he would then be riding a bicycle in Dubai like he did in Amsterdam, Bachchan jokingly said, "I won't ride a bicycle this time, but I will surely take a camel ride."
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The IIFA Awards will be held for four days from June 14 to June 17. Speaking about the awards, Bachchan further said, "Wherever the awards have been hosted, the flow of Indian tourists to those countries has risen by almost 50 per cent. The same is the case for the popularity of Indian films."
In its 7th year, the Awards were first hosted in Great Britain, followed by twice in South Africa, then Singapore, Malaysia and Amsterdam. "We are organizing IIFA awards for the first time in the Gulf, which is close to our country," said Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the even management company organising the awards. "Indian film stars love Dubai as a shooting destination. Almost 60 per cent of the population is from South Asian countries and we hope to receive this award very well when it is hosted in June."
Saeed Al Naouba, CEO of Dubai International Film Festival, said, "One third of the expatriate population in Dubai comprises Indians. We feel this award will strengthen the brotherhood between the two countries and we will make this award an unforgettable event."
On the occasion, Sheikh handed a silver dagger (khanjar) as a token gesture to Bachchan. Speaking highly about Dubai, Bachchan later said, "They have built real estate in the ocean. This was unbelievable for me. We knew of such developments in the West, but these things are happening in Dubai today. Every time I go there, I find a new Dubai. It is an incredible place to visit."
