The admiration, which millions of Indian music, movie and entertainment lovers all over the world have for Paula Abdul, has resulted in “America’s Sweetheart” of the hugely popular “American Idol” show to receive an award at the Bollywood Movie Awards. The Bollywood Movie Awards, are set to take place on Saturday, April 30th at the “Mark G. Etess” Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 2005 Awards ceremony will be a gala event of international stature, which like the Oscar Awards, will honor the outstanding achievements of Indian moviemakers and artists during the prior year. Over the years, Paula Abdul’s talent and creativity have provided much inspiration to her Indian counterparts.

Paula Abdul is the quintessential dance-pop-diva. She was an L.A. Lakers cheerleader and a choreographer for the Jackson’s Victory Tour. Her talent was recognized and she was soon choreographing Janet Jackson's music videos. She also worked on the Tracy Ullman Show and videos for ZZ Top, Duran Duran, and the Pointer Sisters.
Abdul began a recording career, releasing her debut album, Forever Your Girl, in 1988. The release of "Straight Up" at the end of the propelled her to super-star status. The song remained at the top of the charts for weeks as did her next six number one singles (with "The Way That You Love Me" recharting at number three in 1989).
She has had two #1 albums, six #1 singles, a Grammy, seven MTV awards, two Emmy awards, two People’s Choice Awards, two Kids Choice Awards, a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and many other honors and awards. Paula Abdul has experienced a major career resurgence with the unprecedented success of the “American Idol” show. She is known as the sweet one often at odds with the harsh Simon Cowell. 

Kamal Dandona, Chairman and CEO of the Bollywood Group said, “We are excited that Paula has confirmed her attendance at the Bollywood Awards. She is incredibly popular worldwide and has done a great deal for promoting the arts, which is what our Awards are all about.” 

In addition, this year’s hottest stars are all set to perform at the Bollywood Awards – Rani Mukerjee, Saif Ali Khan, Fardeen Khan, Lara Dutta, Bhoomika Chawla, Aftab Shivdasani, and others. Also attending will be stalwarts of the Indian film industry stalwarts such as Shammi Kapoor, Vyjantimala, Yash Chopra, as well as newcomers such as Kunal Kohli, the Director of ‘Hum Tum’, Gayatri Joshi, the ‘Swades’ lead actress, Akshay Kapoor, etc.” 

The previous Bollywood Awards have played host to American celebrities such as Richard Gere, Sharon Stone, Michael Jackson, Harvey Weinstein, Tyra Banks, Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Diane Von Furstenberg and many more. 

The most extensive and elaborate preparations are underway to make the awards show spectacular.

The film-personalities from Bollywood will not miss their lavish sets, as the Taj Mahal is one of the most extravagant hotels in the world with more than 245,000 crystal chandeliers worth over $14 million.