DUBAI, 2 June 2006 — The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will present the Ideal IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian cinema for 2006 to film industry stalwart, Asha Parekh on June 16 during the 7th Annual IIFA Awards in Dubai.
Veteran film script and dialogue writer, O.P Dutta and ace cinematographer, K.K. Mahajan, who is renowned for his acclaimed work in Indian films like Chitchor, Amrit and Akayla have been selected by the Academy to receive the ‘Outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema’ at this year’s awards, said a statement from organizers.
The winners were selected by the IIFA advisory board on the basis of their illustrious career and status as industry icons.
Asha Parekh popularly known as the ‘Dancing queen of the sixties’ was a unanimous choice for her multi-faceted career as an actress, producer and the first female chairperson of the Indian film censor board. K.K. Mahajan, another industry stalwart has had an outstanding career as a cinematographer and continues to contribute to the Indian film industry.
In a career spanning over forty years veteran director and writer O.P. Dutta has ruled the hearts of many through Indian films like Aangan, Surajmukhi, Yateem, LOC Kargil, Border and Refugee and the IIFA Advisory Board conferred him the honor for his valuable and unrelenting contribution to Indian cinema.
The 7th Annual IIFA Weekend and Awards from June 14-17, 2006, is being held in Dubai under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Ibn Saeed Al-Maktoum, president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, chairman of the Emirates Group and chairman of the Supreme Committee of Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises.
Other events at the IIFA Weekend include the IIFA World Premiere film, the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, the IIFA Workshop and the IIFA Foundation Fashion event.