Toronto goes 'Hadippa' over Rani Mukherjee

Indian moviegoers in Canada's commercial capital went Hadippa over Rani Mukherjee as the curtains went up on Bollywood star's latest movie at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) here.

They turned out in full strength and filled up the cavernous Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto auditorium to the rafters for the world premiere here yesterday.

The red carpet was flanked by shrieking and howling Rani fans, who thrust their autograph books at Rani and posed for photographs with the actress even as a posse of bhangra dancers in colourful attire swayed to drum beats.

"I really love the audience in Toronto. It's so involved," Rani said.

"I'm nervous, I'm excited and I'm extremely honoured to be here. I have a deep emotional connect with my fans. They have stood by me through my low phase. I owe a lot to them.
I hope they enjoy Dil Bole Hadippa as much as we enjoyed making it," said the 31-year-old actress, who is returning to the big screen after a year.

Dil Bole Hadippa is first full-on Bollywood masala film to have its world premiere in North America's top cinema events.

Cameron Bailey, co-director, Toronto International Film Festival, explained why he chose Dil Bole Hadippa for a Gala presentation here, "We love the colour, the energy, the music and the spirit of Bollywood and Dil Bole Hadippa captures all that to perfection."

"You are the very first audience of this film," Bailey told the thunderous audience.

Rani got into the swing of things and let out shrill whoop of joy in unison with the audience. She said she was confident that the film would have a special appeal for audiences here because it is set entirely in Punjab.

"Punjabis have a strong presence in Toronto. I am sure they will relate to Dil Bole Hadippa quite easily," the actress said.

The film's director, debutant Anurag Singh, said: "Dil Bole Hadippa reflects what we Indians are like. We are colourful, loud, noisy and all heart."