The festival will last till August 15 and will screen over 60 films from across India and the subcontinent in over 22 languages
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne kickstarted on Thursday at Melbourne’s Central Business District. The film festival is being attended by Shah Rukh Khan, Tabu, Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor, Sriram Raghavan, Rima Das, Zoya Akhtar and it is in its 10th year. The festival will last till August 15 and will screen over 60 films from across India and the subcontinent in over 22 languages.
Shah Rukh Khan was the guest of honour and in his candid style said, “Many years ago in 2006-07, I came here when I was a rising superstar giving hit films after hit films. And now I am back here again, still a rising superstar not making as many hit films (chuckles), as much as I would want to do so. I thank everyone for the opportunity to speak here. When I was shooting for Chak De in the city, I used to play trivial games with crew members on set. Because of being an Indian film actor, we often feel localised. It’s thus heartening that because of the Indian diaspora, Indian cinema is getting noticed. It’s extremely gratifying and makes every Indian proud. I speak for everyone on the dais today, that we are happy to be here.”
Karan Johar said, “I say the panel is reflective of the glorious courage of our films and changing face of Indian cinema. It represents three feature films that have changed the way we look at Indian cinema and how it has travelled across the globe and will continue to do so. There is Super Deluxe, AndhaDhun and Gully Boy. All of these have appealed not only to the diaspora but to international audiences across the globe, making Indian cinema so proud.” The My Name Is Khan director further added, “And what to say about Shah Rukh Khan, he fully represents super stardom. I firmly believe, in the era we belonged to, the term is understood because of him. It’s not just about his large heart but his tremendous presence and aura. The fact that he is an outstanding actor is a huge icing on the cake. I look forward to my time here and all the selection of movies is on point and resonant with the theme of courage.”
Also in attendance were, Thiagarajan Kumararaja, Vijay Sethupathi, and Gayathrie Shankar.
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 "Arjun Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan and Tabu; (right) Karan Johar")
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