Indore:  The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced designers, Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Vikram Phadnis will be showcasing a collection of their respective work at IIFA Rocks presented by Grey Goose, a flagship event of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend. The high fashion and music event will take place on the second night of the Weekend, 24th June, 2011. In its 12th year, IIFA will make its North American debut in Toronto, Canada.

Sabyasachi, known for his neo-traditional designs has found favour with a host of Indian celebrities including Vidya Balan and Rani Mukherjee. Walking his exquisite creation down the ramp will be Bengali beauty, Bipasha Basu. Delhi based designer, Rajesh Pratap Singh is famous for his clean, sharp designs that combine the global and the traditional to create international designs that retain an unambiguous element of India, a tribute to the Grey Goose world. Kunal Kapoor and Rahul Khanna are set to be showstoppers for Rajesh’s collection.

The Gitanjali Group, will also present a fashion segment, “Gitanjali Jewels presents Nizam by Vikram Phadnis”, inspired by the rich traditions of Indian royalty and evoking the opulence of a bygone era. Gitanjali Lifestyle is the Associate Sponsor of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend. A fourth segment of designs will be showcased by The Bay, a chain of 90 department stores across Canada, with actress, Neha Dupia as the showstopper. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will perform music produced by them as the designers and their models take to the ramp. The trio will cover all four segments of IIFA Rocks.

Longtime IIFA supporter, Indian Cinema super star, Anil Kapoor said, “I consider myself a Friend of IIFA and have had many great memories from the different countries we have visited over the last few years. Being in Toronto with IIFA recently reinforced the reason why we take our cinema to the world – the pure love from our fans and the acceptance of our onscreen magic. IIFA is truly a unifying force for the film industry, bringing all our friends and colleagues together.”

Sabbas Joseph, Director – Wizcraft International, said, “As is typical of a land so culturally prosperous, India has a rich reservoir of traditional as well as contemporary fashion derived from some of the most gifted fashion sensibilities in the country. IIFA Rocks presented by Grey Goose is proud to provide an international platform for such talented individuals as, Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Vikram Phadnis.”

All the designers will showcase a collection of their designs at IIFA Rocks where music and fashion will take centre stage. Having been on the IIFA Advisory board for the past six years, Karan Johar is a very important member of the IIFA family and will co-host the IIFA Rocks event along with the exuberant Anushka Sharma. Karan also hosted the fashion extravaganza in 2008 at IIFA in Bangkok, while Anushka has had her debut stage performance at IIFA in Macau, in 2009.

IIFA Rocks presented by Grey Goose raises funds for the IIFA Foundation, which has been set up by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) to support families of the film industry workers who have been adversely affected during the production of films. This year, IIFA Rocks will also announce the 12th Floriana IIFA Technical Award winners and feature musical performances by top stars and international music artists, including Dia Mirza who last performed at IIFA Bangkok. Double Dhamaal starrer, Mallika Sherawat will also perform on the Grey Goose IIFA Rocks stage.

This year, IIFA will showcase the first look of many upcoming films to the world media. One of films being showcased include Love Breakup Zindagi starring Dia Mirza and Zayed Khan, written and directed by Sahil Sangha. The cast and crew were present in Delhi to announce the same.

Resul Pookutty was also in attendance, announcing the winners of the IIFA-Resul Pookutty Foundation Scholarship. Three students, Nitin Lukose (Sound), Amit Malhotra (Editing) and Sonal George (Sound) have been chosen to receive the scholarship at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune for 2010. The IIFA-Resul Pookutty Foundation Scholarship was introduced two years ago to mark the success of Resul Pookutty as the first Indian sound engineer to win an Oscar.

“The institution of the scholarship is a great honour for me. Its the best reward and tribute for bringing Asia its first technical Oscar ever. IIFA and WIZCRAFT truly stands to honour talent, whether they are budding or accomplished. I came from a humble background and studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on a Rs 800 scholarship, and through lots of hardship. Today, this endeavour to support, groom and nurture young talent is a milestone landmark for any film awards in India. Talent needs to be encouraged and rewarded from the beginning of their career, and I am proud of being a catalyst and hope this recognition and support brings some of the brightest talent to the Cinema industry”, saidResul Pookutty

Mr. Saurabh Dhoot, Director – Videocon Group says “We take pride in associating with IIFA for the last 3 Years. IIFA has been a pioneer in taking Indian Cinema globally. This is in keeping with the pioneering status of Videocon d2h in the Indian DTH market through continuous product innovations and use of latest technology to make television viewing a better experience. We have always been setting new precedents in the DTH market. The 3D innovation in DTH space by Videocon d2h has set a new benchmark in the industry. We believe our association with IIFA will be mutually rewarding.”

Partnering with IIFA for the first time, Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Floriana Group said, “It is a great privilege for us to present the Floriana IIFA Awards in Toronto this year. IIFA has taken a long journey around the world since 2000 and the Atlantic shores are a perfect place for the 12th Floriana IIFA Awards. Floriana group has a rich tradition of heritage and quality and have always believed in partnering with like-minded brands. We believe brand IIFA offers us a phenomenal opportunity to deliver relevant messages to our consumers and international partners.”

Speaking on the occasion, Arvind Krishnan, Director-Marketing, Bacardi India, “GREY GOOSE, identified amongst top luxury icons in the world, has been celebrating world class cinema, be it at The Bafta’s, The Academy Awards or The Cannes Film Festival. Our continued association with the IIFA over the past 4 years has been an endeavor to strengthen this association, and take the brand’s quintessential luxury experience to discerning audiences across the globe. For IIFA Rocks this year, we are very glad to collaborate with the talented Rajesh Pratap Singh whose distinctive design aesthetic, which is modern and understated, is a seamless fit with the brand.”

In 2011, Videocon d2h will present the IIFA Weekend, while Floriana will sponsor the IIFA Awards for the first time. Grey Goose is the title sponsor of IIFA Rocks. The Gitanjali Group is the Associate Sponsor of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend. Rotomac Pens and Lotus Herbal are the Associate Sponsors of the Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend and Air India will partner with IIFA as the Official Airlines Partner.