Bollywood took over Toronto this weekend for the International Indian Film Academy Awards with some of the biggest Bollywood stars in attendance. It’s the first time in the history of the event that it’s taken place in North America. This is no small deal. 16,000 tickets sold out in a matter of minutes. Bollywood film is a multi-billion dollar industry. Bollywood movies often make more money and cost much less than their Hollywood counterparts. And the fanbase is literally around the world, as evidenced by the massive turnout this weekend in Canada.

Hilary Swank showed up to present the Best Actor Award and she echoed those sentiments:

"Namaste, Toronto. Namaste, India. Namaste, world. Hollywood and Indian cinema must bring the world closer together. I believe in IIFA's vision -- one people, one world."

Indeed. There is no need to recast parts to replace ethic characters. The viewers will still show up – maybe more!

The Best Actor Award went to Shah Rukh Khan. He’s considered by many to be as well known as Tom Cruise. Also in attendance, among others, Irfan Khan and Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor and Lisa Ray, who used to date Sarah McLachlan’s billionaire ex-boyfriend Brent Wilson but now appears to have hooked up with Jason Dehni of the National Ballet.

Also, randomly, Cuba Gooding Jr was there.

For more on the IIFA Awards, click here.


Photos from Wenn.com and JEWEL SAMAD/Gettyimages.com