Kamal Nath on his favourite performance of Salman Khan: Chhindwara, Lok Sabha 2009

The city of lakes, Bhopal became the centre of media attention on Monday when Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez shared the stage with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath. The trio came together for a press conference held by International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) to announce the dates and the venue for the 21st IIFA Awards.

The ease with which Salman and Nath interacted on stage was proof that the two go back a long way. Like, say the year 2009. For those who didn’t get the reference, Nath has the perfect response.

When asked which is his favourite performance film or award-show hosting of Salman Khan, Nath quipped, "Chhindwara," amid thunderous applause.

For context, Salman Khan had campaigned for Kamal Nath, the then Union Minister for Commerce and Industries and Congress candidate from the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat in 2009. The Bharat actor had addressed poll meetings and even held a roadshow in Kamal Nath’s support.

(L-R) Kaman Nath, Salman and Jacqueline wave at the fans gathered to greet their favourite stars at the lawn in Minto Hall, Bhopal. (Photo: IIFA)

Chhindwara has always been and still is Nath’s bastion, but the 2009 election saw some extra boost, some extra support from Salman. Speaking to PTI back then, Salman had said, "I know that you people give lot of respect and love to Nath besides voting for him, but don’t forget to vote for him this time also." He had also jokingly added how jealous he was of Nath’s popularity and that he’s glad that Nath chose politics and not films, because, "otherwise things would have been very difficult for us".

So when IIFA brought these two together again, it was only natural for them to feel a tad bit nostalgic. Thanking Nath, Salman said, "Ab Honourable CM ko older brother toh nahin keh sakta, younger brother hi kehna padega. Thank you."

It is for the second time in IIFA history that the award show will be held in India. Last year, IIFA rocked Mumbai, but this year IIFA is bringing all its magic to Madhya Pradesh. In association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism, IIFA will be held in two major cities of MP Bhopal will host the IIFA Rocks event on March 21, 2020, while the actual award show will take place in Indore on March 27-29.

This seems to be a year of firsts for IIFA, for it is for the first time that Salman Khan will be hosting the event. But the Bigg Boss host isn’t apprehensive about hosting such a big event. "I have hosted before, it’s not going to be any different," he said. To this, Salman’s Kick co-star Jacqueline, who has been roped in for a performance at IIFA this year, added, "The host’s job is very tough. When you’re a performer, you do your bit, talk to people backstage, enjoy the show and leave when your work is done. But the host has to be at it from start to finish. Although, Salman is a pro."

Salman Khan was presented with a collage of some of his childhood photos by Kamal Nath. (Photo: IIFA)

Speaking of first times, it was Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline’s first time in Bhopal, while Salman is more of a 'bhoomiputra' if one may. "But there’s little difference between Bhopal and Colombo (Sri Lanka, Jacqueline's home country). Due to lack of exposure, these cities are left unexplored. It is only when you personally visit a place like Bhopal or Colombo will you experience the charm. When IIFA went to Sri Lanka in 2010, also my first time as a performer at the event, it gave Sri Lanka that much-needed exposure, that now Madhya Pradesh will get," said Jacqueline.

Salman, on the other hand, is just thrilled at the 'ghar wapsi'. "MP se bahut purana naata hai, said Salman," revealing how his sixth great-grandfather chose to settle in Madhya Pradesh. "Conceive hum Mumbai mein hue, deliver hum Indore mein hue," Salman added with his Dabangg swag.

Kamal Nath presented a tribal painting to Jacqueline (Photo: IIFA)

The IIFA Rocks event on March 21 will have performances by Arijit Singh, Jonita Gandhi, Shalmali Kholgade, Benny Dayal, Jubin Nautiyal and others. The main event will have Katrina Kaif, apart from Jacqueline, performing. There are several more names in the list, but, "dheere dheere batayenge" as Salman Khan put it. Riteish Deshmukh will co-host the event with Salman.

At the end of Monday’s press conference, on behalf of Madhya Pradesh tourism and IIFA, Nath presented Salman Khan with a collage of some of the star's childhood pictures, a small reminder of his intimate connection with Indore and MP. Jacqueline, who’s pledged to visit the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum in Bhopal, a curated space which houses clothing items, huts, tools, etc, associated with each of the seven tribes of MP, was presented with a beautiful tribal painting.

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