Pawan, Rajini at IFFI: A sneak peek in Goa

Pawan Kalyan, Rajini Kanth at IFFI: Goa 20th Nov, 2014. Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth landed on the soil of Goa [Panaji] for the inauguration ceremony-45th edition of IFFI -International Film Festival of India that was held at Dr Shama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.

The lighting ceremony of the lamp was completed in the presence of C.M Goa – Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar Arun Jaitley is currently the Minister of Finance, Minister of Corporate Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting of India. Shri Amitabh Bachchan, Rajnikanth, Pawan Kalyan and many other dignitaries’ from political arena were also present on the Dias.

A major announcement was made by Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar… refreshing the memories he said, "IFFI took place in 2004, during the regime of BJP govt. And now again while the ruling party is BJP, IFFI is being organized here in Goa once again. I take the privilege of announcing the soil of Goa to be the permanent venue here after. IFFI will be permanently holding the IFFI ceremony year after year.”

Choreographer Shobana and her dancing troupe enthralled the audiences by giving a musical tribute to all great dancers..Actors from Bollywood and Tollywood industry. Dancing on the song numbers of actors/actress who have proved their mettle as a great dancer. Shobhana performed the opening number of yesteryear great actor dancer Vijyanthimala’s number “Honton Pe aisi baat mein daba ke chalee aayi” from the iconic film Jewel Thief. The dance troupe then performed a song from Tamil film…wherein, Kamal Haassan had performed for that number. A tribute to Waheeda Rahman, Nimmi on their songs from classic films was also duly given by the dancers’ troupe.

Delegates from 79 countries have come to attend the IIFI. This year the focus will be more on screening of all Chinese films. About 300 films will be screened here this year. The opening film will be from Chinese film titled president.

Present on the occasion megastar Shri Amitabh Bachchan had a well prepared speech for the occasion. praising the Indian Cinema and the soil of Goa he said, The Indian Cinema has a great connection all over the globe. Having garnered International space on the global map is a matter of pride for all of us. He further explained the importance of Art and Cinema and how Indian Cinema had flourished over the years. An integration of Indian films along with World Cinema is also an honor to all of us. I am proud about our film fraternity .Cinema never asks for the cast/ creed. Language of an individual.

Giving away a small story when he met a Russian he said, I remember while I spoke to Russian person who watched films with me …he said, I watch Indian films because they bring smile to my face and tears into my eyes.”

Adding the view of his father he said, My father always told me cinema is a poetic expression which we watch and enjoy for almost three hours sitting with all the people. Indeed it is an entertainment and pleasure which goes on for almost three hours.

Adding about the love for Goa Big B said, My first film “Saath Hindustani” was shot on the soil of Goa. I have a special bonding with Goa. Memories from Goa shall always remain a treasure with me.”

Rajnikanth was very happy as a documentary was shown before he could receive the “Century Award IIFI-2014…before going to receive the coveted award Rajnikanth touched the feet of Shri Amitabh Bachchan and took his blessings. “I have been invited many a times to Goa,owing to my busy schedule I have not been able to make it up. But this time I feel honored and have the pleasure of watching my own documentary meticulously shot….which shows me as the Quintessential common man,” showcasing my forty long years of journey. I am thankful to my fans, producers /directors and one and all from both South as well as Hindi industry, because of them I am here.”

By Lipika Varma