The International Indian Film Academy Awards, otherwise known as Bollywood’s Oscars, is set to make its North American debut at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on Saturday. With over 40,000 visitors expected, the event is a spectacle not to be missed. For those of us unfamiliar with the celebrity talent that will walk the traditional green carpet, here are the top five (beautiful) faces to keep your eye on.
Shah Rukh Khan
If his nickname “King Khan” doesn’t give you an idea of this guy’s stature, then maybe the fact that his appearance at last year’s TIFF drew a larger crowd than Brad Pitt’s will. Not only is he nominated for Best Male Performance in a Leading Role, but he’ll be showing off his slick dance moves in a much-anticipated performance during Saturday’s ceremony.
Priyanka Chopra
Chopra is Bollywood’s Angelina Jolie: a sultry bombshell with mad acting skills. She made her screen debut in 2002 and has since racked up some serious acting accolades (and was once linked to Gerard Butler).Though not nominated this year, the former Miss World is certain to turn many heads.
Anil Kapoor
Many of you may recognize Kapoor as the “Indian Regis Philbin” in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire. While he’s known for taking on serious roles (he was featured in 24 and has a part in the upcoming Mission: Impossible 4), this year he’s nominated for Best Performance in a Comic Role.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
It would be hard to find someone who doesn’t recognize this actress, often hailed as “the most beautiful woman in the world.” When the former Miss World married fellow actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007, the couple instantly became Bollywood’s own Brangelina. Though she’s nominated for Best Actress, Rai Bachchan will be skipping this year’s ceremony (maybe because of her recently announced pregnancy?)
Salman Kahn
Apparently Salman Kahn and Shah Rukh Kahn (no relation) have some beef — and it’s not just because they’re facing each other in the Best Actor category. The two apparently almost got into fisticuffs over a remark Rukh Kahn made about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Salman Kahn had dated her for years) at a party. There’s been bad blood ever since. Known for his tough guy roles, Kahn’s like the Bruce Willis of Bollywood, so if we were Rukh Khan, we’d steer our dance moves away from him.