Ace Sri Lankan cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya believe iIFA Awards 2010 held in Colombo, is a "great chance" to promote Sri Lanka in Bollywood and foster a better relationship between the two countries.
"It is a great chance to promote Sri Lanka between the film fraternities here. Sri Lankans are very big fans of the Bollywood film industry and is very popular in Sri Lanka," Sanath Jayasuriya told IANS in an elite interview.
"Sri Lankans are looking forward to this great event. It's great for our state and good for the relationship between the two ountries," he added.
Kumar Sangakkara, captain of both the Sri Lankan cricket team and actress Preity Zinta's Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab agree that Bollywood has a huge presence in Sri Lanka.
"Bollywood is a big hit in Sri Lanka and worldwide. I think everyone in the world has sat up and noticed how big Bollywood is how attractive it is and how talented stars," Sangakkara said.
He will repeat his role as captain in charity cricket matches in Colombo between Indian celebrities and Sri Lankan cricketers, to be held by the International Indian Film Academy (iIFA) to rehabilitate former Tamil child soldiers.
"There will be lots of fun and lots of activity. It is also a very touching humanitarian action as a village with 100 families will be built. Entertainment bound with iIFA Humanity project and also the Cricket for children, where child soldiers will be retrained, converted, and received abetter lifestyle, is a great plan, "Sangakkara said.
The wicket keeper and left-handed batsman said he was a big Bollywood movie buff.
'The first Hindi film I saw was "Bombay". Then I saw Laagan "and has seen others like" Monsoon Wedding "and" Water ". I like a lot, and the messages the movies wear is very suitable and touching, "Sangakkara said.
While all-rounder cricketer who Jayasuriya Shah Rukh Khan film, all Sangakkara Khan appreciate About Puri and nose Uddin Shah's work and was all praise for Bollywood actresses.
"I have seen no Shah Rukh Khan film. At the local channels of Hindi movies are always displayed. from time to time we see them, even when we do not know the name of the movie. I like Shah Rukh Khan Film and never miss them, "Jayasuriya said.
Sangakkara said: "I like Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman. I have seen About Puri and nose Uddin Shah in various roles. And there are some most talented and beautiful ladies in the world of Bollywood.
Asked who they would like to see the results on iIFA Awards, Jayasuriya quipped: "I always like to see Aishwarya Rai drama on stage."
Sangakkara had "no particular favorite.
"I want to see all actresses who would come to Sri Lanka. If they do on stage, there will be an added attraction," he said.
Tamils from India hugely protested iIFA Awards, held in Sri Lanka after the accusations of genocide against the Sri Lankan Tamils in the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the continued discrimination against them.
The South Indian film relations have decided to boycott all players participating in the ceremony in Sri Lanka.
Asked to take it, "said Jayasuriya," I want the whole Bollywood comes to Sri Lanka. You are all welcome to our country and we will look after you with great care. It is between Sri Lanka and India. We share a very good relationship and we want to make stronger it further. ”
Sangakkara said: "I think the whole spirit iIFA is to transcend all barriers - social and political. I think iIFA would break down barriers and build relationships. It is a great opportunity for Sri Lanka to demonstrate their hospitality.
