Yorkshire is gearing itself up for a summer of Bollywood glamour as the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAs) come to the region. Some of the biggest names in the Bollywood film industry will be here for the biggest event in IIFA's calendar. But what is Bollywood all about? For all you novices, here's a quick guide to Bollywood: Firstly, it's the world's largest film industry making around one thousand films every single year – this makes it bigger than Hollywood! It is the home of Hindi cinema and is based in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay).
Bollywood films are usually musicals – but the actors don't actually sing. There are a number of famous playback singers who sing the songs, and the actors 'lipsync'. Very few films are made without at least one song-and-dance number.
Indian audiences expect full value for their money; they want songs and dances, love interest, comedy and dare-devil thrills, all mixed up in a three hour long extravaganza with an interval! Films like this have also been nicknamed the true 'masala' movie, as they are like a traditional Indian spice box – a little bit of everything!
 | | Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan |
Just as Hollywood have their awards ceremonies, Bollywood do too. The International India Film Academy Awards (IIFAs) are one of them. London hosted the very first IIFAs at the Millenium Dome in 2000. Since then, they've been on an international journey.ΜύJohannesburg, Amsterdam and Dubai have hosted the ceremony, and this year, Yorkshire beat off competition from the likes of LA and Melbourne to add their name to the prestigious IIFA list. The who's who of Bollywood will be at the IIFAs this year. The main event, the awards night will be held at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday 9 June 2007. It's an all-singing, all-dancing affair, literally! There are a number of awards up for grabs in many different categories. Nominations were announced and it is now up to you to vote for your winners. A full list of nominations is available on the IIFA website: As well as the main IIFA ceremony, there are a number of other events happening across Yorkshire. On Thursday 7 June, a star studded IIFA film premiere will take place in Castleford. Cricket fans are in for a treat on Friday 8 June when the best of Bollywood will team up with Indian cricketing legends to play against a team from England for the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match at Headingley Stadium. A large fringe festival is also taking place with events local to you. | 
