So, the IIFA Awards are in my city of Toronto next month, and the Province of Ontario (of which Toronto is the capital) is reportedly spending $12 million dollars Canadian out of the tourism budget. That’s $12 million dollars from the taxpayers in Ontario, or roughly, Rupees 55,60,70,435.59 (55 crores, 60 lakhs, 70 thousand, 435 rupees, 59 paisa, thanks Dhruvi!). As a taxpayer, I am wondering, is it worth it? The Government of Ontario is hoping IIFA will boost tourism to Ontario, anticipating that 40 000 people will attend (Really? That seems like a bit much!) and 600 million people will watch. With regards to last year’s show in Colombo, I found a newspaper report claiming it cost the Sri Lankan government 1.1 billion rupees, and that the total cost of the show was $19 million dollars American. However, this article also mentions that the IIFA weekend of events would increase tourism to Sri Lanka and increase trade with India. So, MissMalini readers in India, how popular are the IIFA awards? I mean, I thought that the Filmfare (despite how biased to SRK and Kajol they are) was the top awards show. Would you really want to travel to IIFA selected locales? Also, for you Mumbaikers, do awards show costs come from your tax money?