Indian Idol, Abhijeet Sawant, and Lisa Ray at Markham’s IIFAntastic Buzz Event!

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Mayor Frank Scarpitti of Markham was all smiles as he greeted a packed media conference with the traditional Indian Namaste. He announced that Abhijeet Sawant, winner of the Indian Idol contest, and now an internationally famed star, would be the international headliner at Markham’s Bollywood extravaganza on June 18 to usher in the IIFA awards. Lisa Ray, Canada’s world famous cross-cultural actress and model will host the day long festival which will include performances from Montreal’s dynamic duo- Josh, Prita Chhabra, Shweta Subram, Menaka Thakkar dance company, soca and chutney music maestro SW Storm, fusion musicians Flamenkathak, Shiamak Davar’s (India’s ace choreographer) Toronto dance team and many more. Interactive dandiya and explosive bhangra will also rock the scene. An authentic South Asian bazaar and taste-bud tantalizing food stalls will dot the Markham Civic Centre grounds and children will have access to a super FUNtastic kidzone.

‘We are honoured to have been chosen as one of the host communities of these prestigious IIFA buzz events”, Mayor Scarpitti said. “This speaks to Markham’s rich cultural diversity and our reputation for embracing and celebrating the contributions of all residents from all backgrounds.”

Michael Chan, minister of tourism and culture, also took the podium and spoke a few words, breaking into a few Bollywood dance steps that prompted huge applause from the audience. CIBC (the main sponsor for all IIFA events) spokesperson, Neil Fernandez, also addressed the attendees.

Markham’s Bollywood extravaganza is produced by the Masala!Mehndi!Masti! (M!M!M!) team and John Ryerson, Markham's director of culture, said: "Working with M!M!M! has been terrific. They have brought creativity and skill together in producing what we expect to be an outstanding IIFA buzz event in Markham"