Bollywood’s best singers are hitting the stage at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum tonight as the first annual Lux Cozi TOIFA kicks into high gear. The concert, like nothing British Columbia has seen before, also features the world-renowned choreography of the highly acclaimed Shiamak Davar, and will be hosted by glamorous Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia.
“Times of India Film Awards are yet another step for us in getting closer to millions of Indians across the globe. TOIFA’s Musical Extravaganza is a tribute to the legendary Hindi Cinema music that audiences have been cherishing for 100 years now. It’s a great way to kick-start the TOIFA celebrations in Vancouver and we are looking forward to a gala weekend ahead,” says Mr. Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times of India Group.
A variety of musical stylings are being performed tonight, showcasing everything from romantic ballads, popular hip-hop tracks and pop numbers that exhilarated the crowds.
Featured artists include:
Kavita Seth- An award winning Hindi playback singer who’s performing a number of hit songs including ‘Iktaara’ from Wake Up Sid and her most recent blockbuster in 2012 Tumhi Ho Bandhu
Sunidhi Chauhan- India’s most versatile female playback singer best known for her peppy and foot-tapping numbers, sets the stage on fire with some of her favourite songs including Ishq Sufiyana, Aavaiye, Bin Tere, Halkat Jawani, Te Amo, Babli Badmaash, Beedi, Sheila, Yaram (ek Thi Dayan), Dhooka, Thank god it’s Friday, Mast Punjabi, Bindaas and Patang Wali Dor
Mohit Chauhan – Best known for his romantic ballads, this Indian pop and playback singer, is a multiple award winning artist who is getting the audience dancing with his super hits like Dooriyan, Pee Loon, Masakali and Naddan Parindey
Hard Kaur- The face of hip hop in India, she’s performing some of India’s most popular dance tracks likes Sadda Dil Vi Tu (Ganpati), Peeney Do, Char Baaj Gaye and Singh is King
Shalmali Kholgade- Award winning singer known for her magical voice and her versatility in songs is performing ‘Lath Lag Gayi’ from Race 2, ‘Pareshaan’ from Ishaazade and her recent hit song ‘Radha’ from Student of the Year.
Shiamak Davar- Multifaceted Choreographer and Singer, Shiamak the Guru of Modern and Contemporary dance, is also performing some of his favorite Bollywood numbers for his Vancouver audience
Another surprise for the evening is Pareshaan singer Shalmali Kholgade who collaborates with the Glassy singer Hard Kaur to do a duo performance for the audience. They’re rocking the Vancouver stage with a jugalbandi of hits like Daaru Desi and Ek Glassy along with their closing act of Gangnam Style!
The celebrations continue tomorrow with the Lux Cozi TOIFA Technical Awards – an invitation only event being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre and expected to attract stars amongst the likes of Urmila Matondkar, Raveena Tandon, Ileana D’Cruz and Salman Y Khan. On Saturday April 6th, the red carpet will be rolled out for Bollywood’s superstars as they arrive at Lux Cozi TOIFA’s Grand Awards Ceremony at BC Place. The awards will include performances by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra in a remarkable show like none other.