From left: Bipasha Basu, Myleene Klass
When we got an invitation to attend the Indian Industry Film Awards (IIFA) in Yorkshire, we jumped at the chance of covering something a little different. Recently, Indian fashion has hit the headlines with Liz Hurley's wedding to Arun Nayar, Indian Fashion Week gaining prominence and Manish Arora's first show at Paris Fashion Week in February.
[images via Getty]
Despite being a little out of our depths, Kim and I made the journey up to Sheffield to meet and greet all the stars as they walked the green carpet (yes, I said green carpet but more about that later!). Celebrities including Bollywood 'it' couple Aishwayri Rai and her new husband Abishek Banchan, Big Brother's Shilpa Shetty, Myleene Klass and Colin Firth were all in attendance. The IIFA Awards are described as the Oscars of the Bollywood industry attracting reaching 450 million viewers worldwide. For the northern English county of Yorkshire, hosting the awards for the first time meant an opportunity for the region's Asian communities to come out and celebrate their favourite stars. For us, it was a crash course in fandom as Bollywood fans are known for being some of the most enthusiastic and dedicated followers in the world. Media interviews were being drowned out by the deafening sound of chanting fans clamouring to get an autograph or shake the hand of their idols.
From left: Shobna Gulati, Aishwarya Rai with husband
There was no Oscars-style playing it safe for the Bollywood stars who turned out in some of the most spectacular gowns and saris we've ever seen. About half of all the women who turned up to the green carpet were wearing the traditional sari or shalwar kameez but the Indian influence was felt even in those in Western dresses through embellishments and bright colours. It was a true blingfest with sequins and beads, crystal-studded clutches and monumental diamond jewellery leaving a trail of sparkles on the green carpet. We're no Bollywood experts but we know fashion and like any high-profile event there was a fair share of hits and misses. Resounding hits were Myleene Klass' fabulous fuchsia Philip Lim dress and Shilpa Shetty's kelly green gown. The scene stealer was Bipasha Basu in a red twisted dress revealing her midriff and the most theatrical make-up this side of Yorkshire! There were also a fair few misses, (Barbie pink sequinned lace lycra anyone?) and for some reason we kept seeing circa 2003 strapless patterned prom dresses.
Former Corrie actor Shobna Gulati, and ex-Apprentice Tre Azam, all turned up to promote Global Cool, an organisation dedicated to reducing global warming. The IIFA even turned the red carpet green to promote ecological awareness but I'm pretty sure all the stars in attendance didn't get to Sheffield by train! Mr Darcy, I mean Colin Firth also turned up to promote Global Cool, and his latest film with Aishwarya Rai. I'm pretty sure Kim's face turned pink when he glanced over at her!
Unfortunately Sienna Miller and Emma Thompson didn't show up so we didn't get the opportunity to find out about Sienna's ad campaign for Tod's and Twenty8 Twelve, a collaborative fashion range between her and her sister.