'I want to make a film on Swami Vivekananda'

You know the room is filled with like-minded people when the first-ever Pune International Literary Festival (PILF) kicks off with the prayer Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu that talks of wisdom and knowledge. Day One of PILF witnessed a huge turnout of readers, authors, filmmakers and publishers. Literature enthusiasts made a beeline to the venue too. The fest, being held in association with dna, will be on till September 22.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by eminent educationist Vishwanath Karad, documentary maker Neil Hollander, filmmaker Sachin Pilgaonkar, producer Siddharth Jain and the brains behind the fest Manjiri Prabhu and Sonja Chandrachud among other dignitaries from the city.

The chief guest of the fest, Sachin Pilgoankar, who recently launched his biography, was thrilled to be recognised as a ‘literature person’. He said, “I was surprised when I was requested to be a part of the first-ever literature festival in the city. I am happy that Manjiri and Sonja recognised me as a literature person. It is a huge honour when you are appreciated for something for which you have put in your heart and soul.”

Sachin was impressed by Karad’s speech on Swami Vivekananda and his great success stories. “I want to make a film on Swami Vivekananda,” he said.

The guests in attendance shared views on how Pune will benefit from this great initiative of literary festival. Karad said, “I always wondered why we never had anything literary in the city. I am glad that the response has been great and that we have been associated with this fest.” Sachin said he would like to buy the rights of Prabhu’s books. “Pune has been such a great centre for literature and this will serve as a platform for many authors, aspiring writers and others,” said Sachin.

A kathak performance by danseuse Sarita Zambare enthralled the audience. Gaurav Mukherjee gave a vocal performance and Rahul Wadhwani was on the keyboards for the theme song of PILF.