The IIFA Look: 100 bobby pins and half a can of hairspray are just some of the trade secrets

Bollywood would be nothing without its opulent dance sequences featuring lithe performers, sumptuous costumes, immaculate hair and dazzling makeup. Making sure the hair and makeup withstands the hot show lights, acrobatic dance moves and sweaty skin takes a lot of effort, and it’s especially important when 22,000 people are watching live and another 700 million are tuning in on TV, as was the case with the International Indian Film Academy Awards this past weekend at the Rogers Centre.

For the ceremony, over 50 stylists from both MAC cosmetics and Marc Anthony were on hand to prepare the 130 or so dancers entertaining during the night. In fact, even bold-faced names like Hilary Swank, Shilpa Shetty, Bobby Deol and Irrfan Khan sat for 45 minutes or so to get their green carpet looks in order. Some of their tricks?  For sweaty skin, the MAC team used mulmul, delicate muslin brought in from India, to dry the dancers’ faces off between routines. For the hair, up to 100 bobby pins and half a can of hairspray were used per head to make sure each strand stayed in place.  Check out our backstage look at the performers getting ready for the show after the jump.