The countdown to the most happening Bollywood awards ceremony, the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) has begun, with celebs arriving in Tampa Bay, Florida.

IIFA often referred to as the Oscars of Bollywood is celebrating its 15th edition this year.

While celebs like Vivek Oberoi and Shahid Kapoor have already landed in Florida, Sonakshi Sinha, Saif Ali Khan, Richa Chadda, Imtiaz Ali, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shabana Azmi , Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan and Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra were spotted at the Mumbai airport leaving for the gala.

Oberoi and Kapoor were also spotted signing autographs at the IIFA green carpet.

The awards will be hosted by Kapoor along with Farhan Akhtar, who is expected to make it to IIFA after casting his vote in Mumbai on 24 April.

Meanwhile Oberoi seemed quite perked up about his "Krrish 3" co-star Hrithik Roshan's performance for the event. "Looking fwd to hanging out with all my friends #IIFA2014 ! Can't wait to see my bro @iHrithik #rock the stage with his performance !!!" he tweeted.

"And @FarOutAkhtar and @shahidkapoor are going to be amazing hosts I'm sure! Really looking fwd to #IIFA2014," Oberoi added.

While Sinha, who was spotted in airport leaving for the event on Monday, posted a video of her practising for her performance with the caption, "Get ready to Party All night Tampa Bay!! I'm all set to rock your world!! #IIFA #liveact #livewire #magicofthemovies"

(ED:VS)  

Take a look at the celebs leaving for IIFA 2014:

Saif Ali Khan was spotted sans his famous wife Kareena Kapoor Khan
Saif Ali Khan was spotted sans his famous wife Kareena Kapoor Khan (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Sonakshi Sinha opted for comfortable clothes for her journey (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Richa Chadda is all smiles as she leaves for IIFA
Richa Chadda is all smiles as she leaves for IIFA (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Shankar Mahadevan spotted with wife Sangeeta
Shankar Mahadevan spotted with wife Sangeeta (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Imtiaz Ali clicked at the airport, leaving for IIFA weekend
Imtiaz Ali clicked at the airport, leaving for IIFA weekend (Photo: Varinder Chawla)
Aditi Roy Hydari appeared make-up free as she made way with heavy luggage (Photo: Varinder Chawla)