TORONTO – The first ever Punjabi International Film Academy Awards are coming to Toronto on August 4th to give Canadians the greatest display of Punjabi entertainment and culture they have ever seen. The awards will not only honour the achievements of the best in Punjabi cinema, but they will also entertain the masses by featuring performances by the most popular Punjabi actors, singers and comedians to give all those at the Air Canada Center an all round breath-taking experience. Around 60 of such film personalities from both Punjabi and Hindi films are expected to attend the event in all, with around 15 of them as performers. Here are three stars who have been added to the list of performers:
Gurpreet Ghuggi
Gurpreet Ghuggi, born in the district of Gurdaspur in India’s state of Punjab, began his acting career by starring in tele-films and shows on Jalandhar Doordarshan. “Ghuggi,” as he is affectionately referred to by his fans, has not only made numerous successful albums and videos featuring his comedy, but he has also participated in televised comedy reality shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Hans Baliye. In addition, Ghuggi has taken his comedic talent to even larger audiences through his roles in several successful Hindi movies like Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng and not to mention his much-loved performances in countless Punjabi movies like Munde U.K. De and 2011’s Yaara O Dildaara, which has been nominated for the PIFA Award in the “Best Film of the Year” category. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Ghuggi will be exhibiting his comedic antics as one of the hosts of the PIFAA Award show on August 4th. With a host like Ghuggi, laughter and mayhem is guaranteed!
Divya Dutta
Divya Dutta, from Ludhiana, Punjab, has established herself as a seasoned actress in Indian cinema. Over the years, her powerful acting has left deep impressions on the audiences of all her films such as her work in Veer Zaara and in Delhi 6, for both of which she earned “Best Supporting Actress” awards. Not only that, but keeping her Punjabi spirit well intact, Divya has also acted in Punjabi films like Mini Punjab and Sukhmani and is continuing to act in more of such. With her diverse set of skills, Divya is sure to entertain the crowd through both her performance during the main award show and through her role alongside legendary actor Om Puri in the play, Meri Amrita, to be held the day after the award show.
Feroz Khan
Feroz Khan is well known as one of the most soulful singers in Punjabi music today. His several albums are much loved by Punjabis all over the world, rightfully earning him a large, devoted and growing group of fans. So, fans of Punjabi sufi music will be very happy to know that Feroz will bring his sufi melodies to the Air Canada Centre on August 4th!
