The 17th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) -- which celebrates the soft power of Bollywood in taking India to global audiences -- is set to celebrate 60 years of India's diplomatic relations with Spain here starting Thursday with close to 150 celebrities and over 20,000 fans in attendance.

Regarded as the football capital of the world, Madrid is the fourth European nation that IIFA is visiting after London, Yorkshire and Amsterdam. And the four-day gala which will conclude with a colourful and exuberant awards ceremony on Sunday, will play host to some of the most celebrated stars of the Indian film industry, notable guests, and dignitaries from India and the region along with Indian cinema fans from across the globe.