PC at IIFA pics Pg1-8-10-13, VID. added on Pg18

As most B-Towners have reached Toronto for International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, 2011, Hit list discovers that the usually confident Priyanka Chopra is quite nervous about her stage performance at the ceremony.

The usually confident Priyanka, who has been chosen to pay a tribute to Asha Bhosle in a special performance at IIFA this year, feels this is too tall an order for her.

Says a source, "Priyanka is confident enough to pull off any stage performance. However, this time she is flummoxed. A dance tribute to the songs of Ashaji seemed like a formidable task to her. She wanted to beg off."

The homage to the singing legend that Priyanka will perform is to be choreographed by Shiamak Davar. We have learnt that when Asha Bhosle heard of the tribute plan, she insisted that only Priyanka do it.

Says a source, "Other A-list actresses including Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and even Sonakshi Sinha were considered for the homage. But Ashaji felt only Priyanka had the namak on her face, the chulbula sexiness to convey the sensuousness of her throat. Moreover, Priyanka Chopra is a singer herself, so she understands the nuances in Ashaji's voice."

In the past few weeks, the actress has become an expert on Ashaji's songs. Says the source, "Lately, the young actress has watched the legendary singer's songs so many times that she knows them by heart now."

While Priyanka maintains that the homage in Toronto is a 'secret', Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft, the official organisers of IIFA in Canada, confirms, "Yes, Priyanka is giving a tribute to Ashaji, who will receive an award for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Shiamak will choreograph the tribute."

Davar, says, "When one does a tribute to a legend like Ashaji one has to be faithful to the originals. But I love interpreting songs in my own way as always. I love Ashaji's songs. They're timeless. I've redeveloped the whole era with my properties and costumes. I am sure Priyanka will do a good job."