Photographs of the embrace made the front pages in India

Organisers say they are determined to steer clear of Richard Gere-type gaffes at the IIFA award ceremony which will be held in Sheffield in June.

The actor caused offence when he kissed actress Shilpa Shetty in public.

Cultural awareness classes teaching people about Indian culture and cinema are due to be held from Thursday.

Phil Crowther, project lead from Sheffield Hallam University, said: "The sessions will help us to ensure that the stars and visitors to the IIFA enjoy the best of the warm hospitality that Sheffield has to offer.

"The sessions will also raise awareness of Indian cinema among local people and, in some cases, will introduce people to the genre for the first time."