Bengaluru: The 10th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes) was inaugurated on the steps of Vidhana Soudha on Thursday. Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan lighted the lamp to mark the inauguration of the film festival.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was supposed to inaugurate the film festival but could not make it due to the ongoing Assembly session. Many ministers, including K J Geore and Ramalinga Reddy, were also could not make it due to the same reason.
Speaking on the occasion, Kareena Kapoor Khan has described the inaugural function as a magical event under the sky of stars and Bengaluru as the most dynamic city in the country. “Cinema is my heart, passion and food for my soul. Today we are here not to celebrate just Kannada films but all films. Bangalore and Karnataka are always special for Kapoor family,’’ Kareena said.
She said that her grandfather Raj Kapoor liked Karnataka and Mysuru very much. “His soul will be among us not because I am here but his love for Karnataka, especially Mysuru. I do not know Kannada language. I hope to entertain all of you by acting in a Kannada film in the near future,’’ she said.
Thanking the organisers for inviting him to the function, Rakeyash Omprakash Mehra, a renowned Hindi film maker, has described himself as the son-in-law of Karnataka. “I am not new to Bengaluru. My better half Bharathi is from Bengaluru,’’ Mehra said.
Minister for Urban Development and Haj R. Roshan Baig has recalled how a song from Raj Kapoor’s film Anari made him to enter into public life.
Speaking on the occasion, S V Rajendra Singh Babu, Chairman, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy has narrated how Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been helping Kannada film industry. “Siddaramaiah is the only Chief Minister who has been doing a lot for the welfare of Kannada film industry. The Chief Minister has announced Rs 50 lakh subsidy for the construction of Janata theatres in the state. I want him to come to power again to help the Kannada film industry,’’ Babu said.
He has also announced the lifetime achievement award for well-known film director Mani Ratnam. The award carries Rs 10 lakh cash and it would be presented to him on March 6. “The Chief Minister has also told me that foundation stone for the Film City will be laid on March 6,’’ he said.
Sandalwood stars Shivarajkumar, Sudeep and Darshan were conspicuous with their absence. The three artistes were supposed to be special guests at the inaugural function.
Masters of ceremony Suhashini and Shruthi Hariharan were also absent on the occasion.
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