PHOTO GALLERY: Bollywood Oscars 2014

Multimedia

Indian film star Nimrat Kaur walks the green carpet as she arrives for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, April 26, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

Indian film star Gauhar Khan walks the green carpet as she arrives for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, April 26, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

Indian film star Vivek Oberoi, and his wife, Priyanka Alva (R), pose for photographers on the green carpet as they arrive for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) in Tampa, Florida, April 26, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

DJ Ravi Drums poses for pictures on the Green Carpet of the 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Fans try to get a glimpse of John Travolta on the green carpet outside Raymond James stadium at the 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Kevin Spacey poses with Deepika Padukone on the green carpet at Raymond James stadium for the 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Indian film star Hrithik Roshan walks the green carpet as he arrives for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2014, in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Actor John Travolta walks the green carpet as he arrives for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2014, in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Indian film star Anil Kapoor walks the green carpet as he arrives for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2014, in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Indian film star Deepika Padukone walks the green carpet as she arrives for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2014, in Tampa, Fla (Photo: AP)

Former Indian track and field athlete Milkha Singh (2nd L) walks the green carpet with his family as they arrive for the 15th annual International Indian Film Awards in Tampa, Florida, April 26, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

The Indian film industry's top awards show sailed into the US with a pirate-themed opening musical number and celebrities ranging from Slumdog Millionaire star Anil Kapoor to John Travolta.

Before a crowd of some 20,000, the International Indian Film Academy awards, informally known as the "Bollywood Oscars," were being held in the United States for the first time Saturday.

Before the show started, Travolta, Kevin Spacey and dozens of Indian film stars including Deepika Padukone walked past hordes of international media. Unlike the Academy Awards, IIFA uses a green carpet instead of a red one.