The management of IIFA Utsavam has postponed the celebrations to show solidarity with the people of Chennai, which has suffered massive loss to lives and property due to the tragic floods and rain.
Andre Timmins, the founder and director of Wizcraft International, has made an official announced about postponing the celebration on behalf of the IIFA management. The IIFA leadership has taken this decision with all the key stakeholders — the South Indian film industry, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and Governor ESL Narasimhan.
"Today, we are one with the city of Chennai and together with the film industry we will show our compete support in aid of those affected by this tragedy," read Andre Timmins' statement released to the media.
The first edition of IIFA Utsavam was to be held in Hyderabad between 4 and 6 December, 2015. The management is yet to announce a new date for the event, but has assured it will be rescheduled with the integration of a fundraiser on a large scale in support of Chennai.
"The first edition of IIFA Utsavam in conjunction with the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam film industries will be held later as a fundraiser for the flood victims. We are saddened by this disaster and our prayers and support are with the people of the city," said Timmins.
When Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were hit by the Hudhud cyclone, the Telugu film industry had organised a 24-hour-long entertainment event called Memu Saitham. The money raised from this event was donated to the CM's relief fund. Now, Hyderabad is set to witness another such fundraiser, though it may not be on that scale.
