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KIFF: Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, SRK, Kajol and bevy of stars attend inaugural function

Kolkata, West Bengal, IndiaUpdated: Nov 11, 2017, 03:49 AM IST
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Legends in one frame! Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan during the inaugural function of Kolkata International Film Festival. Photograph:(PTI)

Curtains were raised on the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival today with the screening of Iranian film 'Yellow'.

Altogether 143 films from India and abroad will be screened in the 8-day festival which was inaugurated at the packed Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Megastars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kamal Haasan, besides British filmmaker Michael Winterbottom and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were present at the inaugural function.

The KIFF has become the landmark for showcasing best cinema across the world and he is happy to be back in a city which always holds special memories, Bachchan said.

Bachchan, who delivered the main address on the inauguration, said the Rajesh Roshan composed 'Chukar mere man ko' song which was shot in the same Netaji Indoor Stadium, the festival inauguration venue, for the film Yaarana.

Bengalis love music, from Tagore songs to Baul songs, he said described how Bengali culture had influenced the music in Hindi film industry for ages.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kamal Haasan, Kajol and others during the inauguration of 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI)

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Acting legend Kamal Haasan said his heart swelled with pride to be considered family by the people of Kolkata.

"Here film festival is not just a ritual, but it is a celebration, of what we love as part of our lives. We belong to an august crowd like you that celebrates cinema every year in this way," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan said,"It is a wonderful feeling to come back to Kolkata and be with all of you and a big round of applause for you all for making this successful."

In her concluding speech, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the KIFF is the number one in the country in a number of terms.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Shahrukh Khan during inauguration of 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI)

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It is number one in terms of public participation, in terms of films screened in the festival venue and theatres across the city, in terms of the size of the screen where the inaugural film is shown, Banerjee said.

To the light hearted request by Bachchan to spare him from inaugurating the next edition of festival, she asked, "How can we organise the festival without Amitabh Bachchan?"

Film maker Mahesh Bhatt, actor Kajol, singer Kumar Sanu were also present on the stage along with a galaxy of Bengali film personalities including 23rd KIFF chairperson and veteran actor Sabitri Chatterjee.

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Iranian film maker Mostafa Taghizadeh's 'Yellow' was screened at a very large screen at the indoor stadium after the inaugural programme.

Delegates from more than 20 countries were attending the festival where 143 films from India and abroad will be screened between November 10 and 17.