IFFI 2019: Amitabh Bachchan calls Rajinikanth 'incredible source of inspiration'
At the opening ceremony of International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2019), legendary superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth were honoured.
IFFI 2019 kickstarted in Goa on Wednesday and this year it celebrates the golden jubilee of the prestigious film festival. This year, two legendary actors of Indian Cinema was honoured for their contribution to the film industry with their impeccable performances. Yes, we are talking Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, who were present at the opening ceremony of International Film Festival of India. The event was hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.
On being honoured at the festival, Big B stated, "Thank you for inviting me to the event and bestowing upon me such a big honour. It is the blessing of my father and mother. I am standing in front of you today because of all the directors, writers, producers and music directors. But I am most grateful to my fans. In all phases of my life, you have supported me. I am indebted to you for all the love. I won’t be able to repay the debt. I don’t want to repay the debt as I would like to keep this love with me always."
Rajinikanth was bestowed with Special Icon of Golden Jubilee Award. While receiving the award from Bachchan, Rajini said, "I'm extremely happy to receive this prestigious Special Icon of Golden Jubilee award. My heartfelt thanks to the Indian government for honouring me with the award. I dedicate this award to all my directors, producers and all the technicians who have worked in my films. And above all, my fans and Tamil people who have supported me. Thank you, Jai Hind."
Karan Johar hosted the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2019) in Goa on Wednesday. The filmmaker donned a dapper look wearing a black bandhgala kurta and trousers with black shoes.
The opening ceremony wasn't less than any blockbuster film as it witnessed two legendary actors together in the same frame. Yes, we are talking about Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth who flagged off the festival at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim.
Amitabh Bachchan, who has been advised to be on bed rest by doctors made sure not to miss IFFI 2019 as he was honoured by the festival for his 50-year-long journey in Indian Cinema. He received the award from Rajinikanth and was all praises for his fellow co-star.
For Rajini Sir, Big B wrote on his blog, "I do for him .. so he does for me .. humbled and honoured."
After accepting the Icon of the Golden Jubilee Award, superstar Rajini stated, "I dedicate the award to all the producers, directors and technicians who worked in my films, my fans and people of Tamil Nadu."
On being a part of IFFI 2019, Big B went on to say, "I have no words to express my gratitude to IFFI for honouring me and having a retrospective of my films. Films have always been an integral part of our social life. To have a festival of this magnitude in Goa exposes the Goans to what happens in the international world and also gives them an opportunity to meet and mix with people. This is a debt on my head of your love and affection. I would not be able to repay the debt and I would not want to, because I would like to keep it forever."
(Photos via Twitter)