Aamir Khan’s directorial debut ‘Taare Zameen Par’ was absent from the nomination list for the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards declared on Tuesday.

It is believed that Aamir didn't formally apply for a nomination in any award category this year.

At a press conference, Sabbas Joseph, director Wizcraft International Ltd said, “You won't find some important film names mentioned in the nomination list. It is because of the selection procedure.”

“The rule for getting a nomination in the IIFA awards popular categories, producers have to fill up a form and send it to us. Taare Zameen Par is one of my favourite films, but the producer didn't send his film, hence it is not in the list,” Mr. Joseph said.

Despite the reported cold war between King Khan and IIFA brand ambassador Big B, two SRK’s films (Om Shanti Om and Chak De! India) have been nominated in the Best film category. The others movies competing for the top prize included "Guru", "Jab We Met", Life in a Metro" and "Partner.”

While addressing the crowd, Amitabh stated, “It was my earnest desire to see a producer of Indian origin go oversees. IIFA in its ninth edition has continued the tradition of taking Indian cinema beyond our shores.”

“Whenever a country does well in the economic sector, everything about it becomes beautiful. Ever since India has opened its economic bindings it has been growing,” Mr. Bachchan added.

Amit Mitra, secretary general Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), was also present.

Mitra said, “FICCI partnered with IIFA in Amsterdam and we went to Dubai and Yorkshire. With IIFA and Wizcraft we are trying to create little pebble, which will have its reverberations in economic and business forums.”

This year, the IIFA Weekend will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 6-8.

The IIFA awards, the Indian film industry's equivalent of the Oscars, will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 6-8.