SAIFTA' Launch 'Blows Durban Away!'

The organisers, Celebrity Locker Entertainment, pulled out all the stops to put on a dazzling fusion of Indian and African dancing, high fashion and Bollywood glamour, designed to give the 800 guests a taste of the September 6, 2013 Awards.

The magnitude of the launch took guests by surprise, starting with a red carpet arrival of South African television and film stars, Bollywood actresses and models, Durban's elite and politicians, all dressed in a fusion of African and Indian couture.

Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism board, Mr Sadha Naidoo, commented; "Tonight's launch is significant to the government of KwaZulu-Natal for several reasons. The awards give us an ideal opportunity to market the province as an ideal film location to Bollywood's top producers who will be here for the Septembe 6 function. In addition, SAIFTA will be beamed to thousands of home in India, which will help boost tourism."

The launch achieved its aim to cement relationships between South Africa and India and create opportunities for the exchange of talent. Glamorous Bollywood stars who jetted in for the event included, Dia Mirza, Shilpa Shirodkar, Richa Chadda, Raveena Tandon and Farah Khan, who is on the SAIFTA judging panel. Mirza described her first impressions of South Africa, saying; "God cut a slice of heaven and gifted it to South Africa."

Other Bollywood celebrities included India's first female rapper, Hard Kaur, who shocked the audience with her non-conventional performance.

The striking designs of local couturiers, Haroun Hansrot and David Tlale, were showcased in the form of a beautiful fashion installation on live models in the foyer of the ICC.

South African television personalities, Jailoshini Naidoo and Top Billing presenter, Simba Mhere, teamed up with Mumbai MC, Rakshanda Khan to unveil the SAIFTA trophy.

Members of the twelve strong panel of judges who were present included India's Farah Khan and South Africa's Welcome Msomi, who has just been appointed director of The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission; Leleti Khumalo (actress), Linda Bukhosini (CEO and creative director of The Playhouse Company) and Caroline Smart (theatre personality). The South African panel is also joined by Saira Essa (TV producer) and Peter Rorvik, former Director of the Durban Film Festival.