Akki vs Sallu

IIFA organisers, Wizcraft cannot decide who should perform the grand finale ceremony in Bangkok

Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan are going from clash to clash with remarkable regularity. In their latest clash (one, which they have no inkling about), the two have put IIFA organisers, Wizcraft in a quandary. Wizcraft hasn’t yet been able to decide which of the two will perform the grand finale at the awards ceremony to be held at Bangkok on June 8 this year.

The funny thing is that neither Akshay (currently shooting in Egypt for Vipul Shah’s Singh Is Kinng) nor Salman (currently shooting in Australia for Sohail Khan’s Main Aur Mrs Khanna) are aware of Wizcraft’s dilemma.

Says a source, “Akshay Kumar has had a fantastic year with five bumper hits (Phir Hera Pheri, Namastey London, Bhool Bhulaiya, Heyy Babyy! and Welcome). Today, he commands a huge price at the BO and his wish is any producer’s command. Akshay is hot and much in demand in the overseas market. Katrina Kaif is also expected to perform at the IIFA awards this year. If all three perform, one can expect some fireworks at the IIFA awards this year.”

In Salman’s case, Wizcraft’s dilemma is an emotional one. Adds the source, “Except Partner, Salman hasn’t delivered any big hits in 2007. Despite that, he still is a popular star. Also Salman is very close to Andre Timmons from Wizcraft. But the three directors, Andre Timmons, Sabbas Joseph and Viraf Sarkari are close to Akshay too. Naturally, Wizcraft cannot decide what they want to do: feature Salman or Akshay? Two huge stars, both equally popular it’s a tough decision to make and they don’t want to upset either one.”

Dinesh Gupta of Wizcraft says, “These are creative details which are privy only to the three directors.” Anuja,also from Wizcraft, said tersely, “All these speculations are baseless. We will make a formal announcement on which stars will be attending the IIFA awards on May 27.”

Salman Khan has always bailed Wizcraft out whenever he has been called even at the last moment — which included Star TV’s Nach Baliye last year. Salman was called at the last moment in place of Amitabh Bachchan who couldn’t make it to the finale. Salman was also present at Andre’s wedding last year.