Amsterdam welcomes IIFA...

On its continuing journey to propel Indian Cinema to new heights around the world, IIFA landed in the picturesque city of Amsterdam, the city on water for the 6th Annual IIFA Weekend and Awards. The three-day extravaganza left Amsterdam dazzled with its magical mix of stars, glamour and entertainment.

The Press Conference:

The IIFA Weekend celebrations kicked off with Amitabh Bachchan who officially launched of the three-day event at a Press Meet IIFA World Premiere:

Held at the magnificent centuries old Pathe Tuschinski Theatre ,the film premiered was Pradeep Sarkar's 'Parineeta'

The lead cast, including Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan and Rekha along with other stars attended the Premiere.

IIFA Film Festival and IIFA Workshop:

The first-ever IIFA Film Festival inaugurated by Yash Chopra held at the Pathe Tuschinski Theatre

It showcased some of the best films Indian Cinema has to offer, with over 4000 people enjoying the varied selection of films over three days. This event saw a staggering 89 per cent occupancy.

IIFA Workshop was organized, which served as a unique meeting between some prominent filmmakers from India and Dutch film professionals.

Key speakers at the workshop included Karan Johar, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and Abhishek Bachchan

The workshop also featured a screening of the blockbuster 'Kal Ho Na Ho'

FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum:

Held at Expo XXI, the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum served as a place for big ideas, international business and networking

Dignitaries from India and the Netherlands addressed topics such as Trade and Commerce, Tourism and Cinema.

IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match:

Held at the Olympic Stadium, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan were captains of their respective teams.

Actors Boman Irani, Chunkey Pandey and Neelam provided the entertaining commentary.

At the end of an action-packed game, Hrithik's team was declared highlights.

IIFA Awards:

11th June 2005 - The Amsterdam Arena buzzed with activity as preparations were on for the grandest moment of Indian Cinema - the 6th Samsung IIFA Awards 2005.

Kicking off the Awards Ceremony was IIFA Brand Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan

Shah Rukh Khan, Fardeen Khan and Karan Johar were the comperes for the evening

International pop sensation Bombay Rockers truly 'Rocked Tha Party' Rouge urged the audience to 'Don't Be Shy'

Performances by Salman Khan, Aalaika Arora Khan, Amrita Arora, Esha Deol, Isha Sharwani, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor & Daler Mehndi left the fans starstruck.

International magician Hans Kolak added a touch of magic to the evening

The three Bachchans- Aishwarya, Abhishek and Amitabh mesmerized the audiences with a stage performance of their super hit 'Kajra Re…'

Trivia:
Abhishek Bachchan's first-ever international performance in which Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan joined him on stage, happened in this edition of IIFA.