The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is dedicated to reaching out to millions of fans around the world to promote Indian cinema. Under the guidance of Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., IIFA tirelessly showcases the wealth of talent Indian Cinema has to offer, to the world. The premier vehicle that puts Indian cinema in the world spotlight is the annual IIFA Weekend and Awards event. In 2011. The IIFA Weekend and Awards consists of fun filled activities that bring fans close to their favourite stars. The highlight of the weekend is the IIFA Awards Ceremony that honours the very best of Indian cinematic culture. Fans from all over the world converge to celebrate Indian cinema, while millions can watch the telecast from the comfort of their home.

Fashion, films, music and glamour came together on the sidelines of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards at the IIFA Rocks event on Friday. As Bollywood siren Bipasha Basu summed it up nicely "You can't take the music out of the Indians. There's music in our films, there has to be music in our fashion too."

Perhaps this is what led her to walk the ramp wearing celebrated Indian couturier Sabyasachi and dancing to the hits of Shankar Ehsaan Loy. It also spelt a triumphant return for Dabangg sensation Sonakshi Sinha, who was literally unknown when she promoted the film at last year's awards ceremony in Sri Lanka. Wearing a short Alexander McQueen dress, Sinha said she was still reeling from all the affection she was receiving from her fans in Toronto. "This is my first time that I have been nominated in IIFAs. The feeling was wonderful, especially when people started chanting Tere Mast Mast Nain," said Sinha.

But she wasn't in the modern avatar for too long. An effective show stopper for designer Vikram Phadnis, Sinha returned to her familiar on screen role wearing a rich ethnic ensemble. Meanwhile, the technical aspects of filmmaking were also celebrated as Robot, Dabangg and Band Baaja Baarat won the maximum number of awards in different categories. Each won three awards. While Band Baaja Baaraat won for Editing ,Namrata Rao, Song Recording, Ainvayi Ainvayi and Costume Design, the Rajnikanth starrer Robot walked away with Best Art Director for Sabu Cyril. Actor Shah Rukh Khan presented the trophy to Cyril and lauded him for his ace work. Robot also won awards for Special Effects by Indian Artists and for Best Make Up. The Salman Khan starrer Dabangg also filled its already burgeoning trophy cabinet by taking home the award for Best Choreography, Munni Badnaam Hui choreographed by Farah Khan, and a gong for Best song recording for Leslie Fernandez.The film also won the award for Best Action by S. Vijayan. Meanwhile, the green carpet saw the likes of Anil Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Dia Mirza and Madhavan adding star wattage to the evening.

American pop singer-songwriter Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta  stage name Lady Gaga made history at last year's MTV Video Music Awards when she turned butcher's cuts into high fashion.On Thursday, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will unveil the singer's infamous raw-meat dress to the public.The dress, made of layers of Argentinian beef, was kept in a meat locker, placed in a vat of chemicals and then dried out by taxidermists in California before being transported to the museum.Hall of Fame spokeswoman Margaret Thresher says the dress took on a "dark, beef-jerky" look while dehydrating, so it was painted to look "fresh" afterwards. The entire process took several months to complete.The dress is being displayed as part of the "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit, which runs until February 2012.

Rihanna is defending her latest music video, which opens with a man being shot in the head."Man Down," which premiered Tuesday on BET, is a song about a girl who shoots her abuser in public. The video also portrays sexual assault.the Parents Television Council called the clip "disturbing" and asked BET to stop airing it.But on Thursday's "106 & Park," BET's music video countdown show, Rihanna said the video is "art with a message." Rihanna said that she just wanted to hone in on a very serious matter that people are afraid to address, especially if they've been victimized in this scenarioBET says it will continue to play the video, explaining that the network "has a comprehensive set of standards and guidelines that are applied to all of our content" and that Rihanna's video "complied with these guidelines and was approved for air."

MTV and VH1 have not played the video. Representatives for both networks said they are currently reviewing the video.BET, MTV and VH1 are owned by Viacom.Rihanna, who was attacked by then boyfriend Chris Brown in February 2009, says she doesn't agree with violence.Brown attacked Rihanna on the eve of the Grammys. He pleaded guilty to a felony and was sentenced to five years' probation."I've been abused in the past and you don't see me running around killing people in my spare time," she said.But the 23 year old says rape happens too often and those victims need a voice."If I can be a voice for so many that aren't heard, then I win twice," she said.The "Man Down" clip was directed by Anthony Mandler, who has directed other Rihanna videos.The Grammy winner says she didn't intend to make a controversial music video. She was hoping to display her acting skills and create "something raw and artistic."