Panaji: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today tried to dodge the question on why megastar Amitabh Bachchan was not being invited for the festival.
During the curtain raiser press conference held at IFFI venue this afternoon, Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat tried to deflect repeated queries from the media on why superstar was conspicuous by his absence ever since the prestigious film festival was shifted here six years back.
When the question was posed to director of the film festival SM Khan, he was at the momentary loss of the words when chief minister tried to intervene and shift the issue to a more local subject involving expansion of Dabolim airport.
When the question was later repeated by the media, Khan after some delay said that "Bachchan sahib is a great actor and he will be called as chief guest or guest of honour next year or year after that."
Entertainment society of Goa, co-host of the IFFI, had earlier said that they wish to invite Bachchan for the festival but such invitations are looked after by DFF. "We always feel that we need Amitabh Bachchan. It would be great to have him at the IFFI," said Rajendra Talak member of the Red Carpet Committee, which oversees the logistical arrangement for the glamorous event at the IFFI.


