Anil Kapoor: I respect all voices of protest

Meanwhile, two students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, marked their protest against the NJP-led NDA government by shouting slogans towards the end of the event.

Addressing the media, the film’s director, Matthew L. Brown said, “Making this film was an utmost challenge and Dev Patel along with my producers Edward and Annie has been a great support in pulling it off. Presenting world renowned Indian mathematician Ramanujan’s biopic in his home country brings us both joy and excitement to see how the Indian audience will receive it. The festival has its own charm in terms of content, venue and film selections that keep the momentum of entertainment and learning ongoing”. He received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry secretary Sunil Arora and IFFI-2015 jury chairman Shekhar Kapur also spoke. Jaitley released the book on Dadasaheb Phalke award winners, Legends of Indian Silver Screen, in the presence of Sonakshi, actress Devika Bhise and filmmaker Kabir Khan.

Patel plays Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar in “The Man Who Knew Infinity” which is the opening film at IFFI.

“This kind of gathering gives me a lot of energy”, Anil said. On worldwide Film Festival of India Anil Kapoor said, it is a sign of a healthy democracy. He said that there could not be a better opportunity than a Film Festival to celebrate the excellence of cinema.

“This year is also a big step forward”, Jaitley said.

At a time when several personalities in the country are debating the growing rate of intolerance, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor is optimistic that it would be resolved soon, but says he respects the protest. IIlaiyaraaja also requested the government to make music compulsory (subject) in schools, colleges and other educational institutions.

“When NFDC Director General Nina Lath Gupta came for a round and I was introduced as an FTII student, she asked me if I was still studying in the institute”.

The colourful take on the evolution of Indian cinema is wonderful.

Recalling the initiative then chief minister Parrikar had taken to get IFFI to Goa, Kapoor said it would have not been possible without the defence minister. The National Award winning actor, who has completed four decades in film career, quoted master filmmakers Jean-Luc Godard, Martin Scorsese and Satyajit Ray to illustrate diverse definitions of the art of cinema, before he chose to shake a leg on stage acknowledging the crowd’s calling.

I am very emotional today.