A California-based public service organization, the Carver International Project was selected as the presenter of the Bollywood Awards 2003 due to its reputation as a worldwide charity and desire to preserve classic Indian films. Further exemplifying the do-good nature of this philanthropy’s generosity, Carver International aims to provide corporations and individuals a variety of tax-deductible sponsorship packages with the proceeds destined to fund charitable projects around the world.

Marge D’Wylde, filmmaker and director of cultural heritage and communications for the Carver International Project, affirmed the organization’s mission by saying, “We believe that by helping to preserve Indian’s cultural film heritage for future generations, we can stimulate philanthropy and help break the cycle of poverty in this and other South Asian countries. We are honored that Bollywood Awards 2003 has partnered with us to support this worthy cause.”

And worthy it is. Such an awards ceremony generates international frenzy, not only because of the delectable eye candy spectacles of the red carpet, but also because it serves as a linkage between millions of Indians around the world and their homeland. For as eloquently stated by Bollywood Awards 2003 Inc. chairman Kamal Dandona, “Indian movies are the eternal bond between thousands of others like me and our roots, which have their foundation in the memories of our motherland. It is the magnificent medium of Indian Films which are an enduring link between Indians abroad and their country back home.”

The cinematic lineup at this year’s ceremony has nominees biting their nails and knocking their knees due to the fierce competition and overflowing talents within each genre. And still in spite of this there seems to be one definite colossus winner that has entranced audiences around the world with its stellar settings, sumptuous costumes dripping with elegance, and moving storyline that had viewers glued to the edges of their seats. The one and only “Devdas.” With the graceful acting and yet vivacious and electrifying dance performance of Aishwarya Rai, “Devdas” has captured the hearts of people of every color and culture and has a nomination in virtually every category.

But Neeta Lulla’s costume designs for the multimillion-dollar blockbuster are not the only fabrics gaining international approbation. Uniquely attractive in its structure, the Bollywood Film Awards are coupled with the Bollywood Fashion awards to guarantee something for cinemaniacs and clotheshorses alike. Unlike many western fashion award ceremonies, the International Indian Fashion Awards will unite visionary designers, ravishing models, and the hottest celebrities from around the world and create a fusion with the colliding worlds of fashion and entertainment.

With such scheduled participants and performers as Aishwarya Rai, international singing sensation Alabina, crossover actor Jimi Mistry, supermodel Tyra Banks, CNN reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta, world wrestling champ Killer Khalsa, Sulekha Naidu of NBC’s “ER”, Pakistani superstar Nirma, and the first Indian to represent a state in the Miss USA pageant, Miss Delaware Shoha Parekh, it crystallizes India’s attempt to bridge cultural gaps and to reflect the artistic glory characteristic of our diverse, globablizing community.

Perhaps even more imperative to the balance of international security and the India-Pakistan tumultuous relationship is incorporating such talents as Pakistani Nirma into India’s Bollywood celebrations. Although India and Pakistan have had a rocky relationship and bitter tug-of-wars over the Kashmir territory, it is undeniable that both people share strong cultural ties lasting over thousands of years. The Bollywood Awards show could possibly be a beginning attempt to reveal that by celebrating the talents of each culture, we will slowly begin to realize that our similarities are stronger than our differences.

For further info please check out www.bollywoodawards.com, and stick with APA to find out the winners and highlights of Bollywood Awards 2003.

April 24, 2003