Mumbai: They couldn’t have chosen a better location to open the 17th Mumbai Film Festival. With the majestic and historic Gateway Of India forming the enchanting backdrop, the opening night of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival was a nothing short of a spectacular event with A list forming the front row.
The film fraternity came in full force to support their city’s very own film festival which will continue till 5th of November and showcase the best of Indian and world cinema to cine lovers.
The special guest of the evening was Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, who was present in support of the festival and declared the festival open. Welcoming all international dignitaries as well as those who have come to attend the festival from other parts of the country, Fadnavis expressed happiness that the organisers had chosen such a historic location for the opening night. “Few years back this place was under siege but today, with us celebrating Mumbai and cinema here proves how resilient Mumbai is as a city.”
Dressed in a green outfit, Kalki Koechlin played the gracious host and introduced each of the oraganisers in her charming and witty style. Mrs Nita Ambani, co-chair of the festival said, “Jio MAMI is our humble tribute to the wonderful city of Mumbai that has made Indian cinema famous across the world. Jio is proud to partner with MAMI. As the world enters the digital age, Jio is Reliance’s next generation business that brings digital life to all Indians. With Jio MAMI, we look forward to making Mumbai a global hub for not only Indian cinema but also world cinema.”
Festival director Anupama Chopra, who according to Kalki, had last year borrowed from the entire film fraternity to give the festival some life, said, “ We knocked on many doors and many doors opened,” and added optimistically, “ Good films can make us into better people. Films connect us in a way that no other art form does.”
Chairperson, Kiran Rao further added, “We are all really excited - the opening night is finally here and it's all systems go! Everyone has worked extremely hard, and we have our fingers crossed that the festival goes without a hitch and is appreciated by all who attend.”
The red carpet was star studded with Katrina Kaif, Vidya Balan, Hrithik Roshan, Sidharth Malkhotra, Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Kiran Kher, Anil Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh and other stars gracing the event. They strong presence of film celebrities from across the world on the opening night itself, proves that the week long festival is going to packed with good cinema and lots of movie related activities.
Most celebrities seem excited that their city was hosting such a grand festival. Vidya Balan, a jury member for International competition category, candidly told the audience that how she was a student delegate in the first year of MAMI. “ I was a wannabe actress and had hoped some director would spot me here at the festival and offer me a film. I was also promised Rs 150 for explaining to other delegates the movies that were to be screened at the festival that year, but I never got that money!”
The evening also honoured Israeli filmmaker, Amos Gitai, with the International Excellence in Cinema award, while the Indian Excellence in Cinema award was given to film writer duo Salim-Javed. Since Salim Khan couldn't be present to receive the award, Javed Akhtar received the honour along with Khan's son Sohail. In a video message, Khan praised Akhtar’s wit and sharp writing while Akhtar thanked late filmmaker Yash Chopra and Ramesh Sippy for their support to the duo.
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