The prestigious awards function International Film Festival of India (IIFI) returned with its 50th edition in Goa on Wednesday and took off a starry beginning with the who's who of cinema fraternity marking their presence. In attendance at the awards function were Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Madhur Bhandarkar and Siddharth Roy Kapur. Apart from them, the festival played host to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar, Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Amit Khare and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
At the event, Amitabh, soon after opening the film festival, got nostalgic in his speech and told that his first film was shot in Goa so coming back to the city held special importance. “I am honoured to be here. I thank the Government of India, Government of Goa for inviting me here. Films have always been an integral part of social life. A festival of this magnitude in Goa also serves the people of Goa; to know and be exposed to what is happening in the international world and also gives us an opportunity to meet and mix with people. It is great honour and I am happy to be here. Thank you so much for all your love and affection for all these years. It has been almost 50 years since I began, my first film was in Goa. Coming back to Goa is always very nostalgic,” Amitji told during his speech.
#IFFI50 LIVE
"It's always a nostalgic feeling to be back in Goa. I shot my first film in Goa and it brings me immense pleasure to come back here", Actor @SrBachchan at #IFFI2019 Red Carpet#AmitabhBachchan pic.twitter.com/wPoXduPk4J
— IFFI 2019 (@IFFIGoa) November 20, 2019
What a way to make an entrance! @rajinikanth has arrived for the opening ceremony of #IFFI50#IFFI2019 @satija_amit @esg_goa @MIB_India @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/mY3eKPAjfu
— IFFI 2019 (@IFFIGoa) November 20, 2019
Soon, the megastar was felicitated along with Rajinikanth and the two shared the stage, leaving their fans delighted. While conferring Rajinikanth with the Icon of the Golden Jubilee Award, Amitji called the former a member of his family. "I consider Rajinikanth as a member of my family. We keep nagging each other. We both give advice to each other, but sometimes we do not listen to the advice. But this is how a relationship is. He has come from such humble beginnings. He inspires us every day and every night," Amitji told.
#IFFI50 LIVE
The Stalwarts of Indian Cinema, @SrBachchan & @rajinikanth are back together at the @IFFIGoa Red Carpet again, after their appearance at IFFI 2014. #IFFI2019 #AmitabhBachchan #Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/e29TtPudna— IFFI 2019 (@IFFIGoa) November 20, 2019
Bollywood's favourite filmmaker, Karan turned host for the ceremony.
We're excited to welcome back @karanjohar to #IFFI50, who's all ready to host this star-studded evening. #IFFIGoldenJubilee #IFFI #IFFI2019 pic.twitter.com/KQ5Wa5daDK
— IFFI 2019 (@IFFIGoa) November 20, 2019
(Source: India Today/Hindustan Times/Twitter)
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