IFFI Goa goes international  
 
 

Kumar Gaurav, actor

“Sunil Dutt was a man for the people, by the people and because of the people.”

  
 
  Jeetendra Deshprabhu, MLA, Pernem

“Goa is a brand name. IFFI can flourish under Goa as a brand. I’m glad that IFFI now has a permanent address in Goa. IFFI will not only give films an international platform, but now international events too can be organized in Goa.”

 

And it's about time, as critics and fans vote Goa as the international `most happening' place to be. Packaging IFFI Goa 2005 with a flavour of fusion and glamour, Bollywood masti combines with Cinema of the World to form a synergetic platform of talent and showbiz. Rekha stunned audiences with her enigmatic presence at the homage screening of renowned Tamil actor, Gemini Ganesan , while fans of Bipasha Basu and Ajay Devgan broke the security cordon for a dekko of their favourite mega stars at the India premiere of `Apaharan' yesterday.
Set for a star walk is Kannada actress Tara, with the screening `Hasina' at 6.00pm, Inox, Screen II. Deserted by her husband for bearing him girl children, Tara enacts a stellar role as a poor woman seeking justice against a rigid social system that fails to provide for families left at a crossroad. Directed by Girish Kasaravalli who enjoys the distinction of having won the Swarna Kamal at the National Film Awards and Rajat Kamal four times, he explores a bold theme set against a tragic background.
Paying homage to another charismatic actor who set a benchmark in Bollywood cinema as an actor and a human being, Sunil Dutt will be remembered for his contribution to humanity with this campaign for social causes. He will be fondly remembered with ` Mujhe Jeena Do ', 10.00am today at the Inox.
Set your time to be floored then.

FRENCH DAY TODAY
The colours of France come alive today as IFFI Goa 2005 commemorates `French Day' at the Inox. So, gear yourself up for a visual facelift as flags and thematic decorations based on France give the Multiplex an ambience of an international hotspot. Face painters, jugglers, music and song create an aura of festivity, even as the 36 th International Film Festival of India welcomes the high-profile French delegation and star cast of `Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra' at the Red Carpet event at 6.15 pm today.


 

 

  
 

FACE OFF
Hyderbad Blues to cricketing glory

Nagesh Kukunoor is a chemical engineer-turned-director. He arrived with the film ‘Hyderabad Blues’ and is enjoying big success with small films. His eulogy to cricket, ‘Iqbal’, is the only Hindi film and one of the two Indian films in the competition section at IFFI 2005. SIRAJ SYED caught-up with him on a good pitch and tossed-up some questions.
 
 

* There’s only one Indian in the jury. Do you think the four others, who come from non-cricket playing countries, will understand or appreciate the cricket background of your Iqbal?
They don’t need to. `Iqbal’ is about human effort and not about cricket. You could very easily replace the game of cricket with any other game and the emotions would still be the same.

* We saw you doing a nice role in your own ‘Teen Deewaren.’ Come to think of it, you have acted in all your films yourself. Why did you not act in ‘Iqbal’?
I needed a genuine fast bowler. Yes, I know a little cricket, but I am not a regular fast bowler. On screen, one could cheat about the stumps being shattered, but the run-up and action of the bowler was crucial. I just couldn’t do that.

*Yes, but the character is deaf and dumb. Isn’t it easier for an actor-director to play such a complicated role himself rather than get another actor to do it?
You have a point, but good actors are not necessarily good cricketers and good cricketers are usually bad actors. In fact, we had to audition in three cities and look at so many actors before I chose Shreyas Talpade from Marathi theatre.

* Did Subhash Ghai back the project right from the beginning?
What project? I do not believe in ‘projects’ but complete scripts. I went to Subhash Ghai with a complete script. So, Subhashjee’s Mukta Searchlight Films agreed to finance it from the beginning.

* Is the actor in you now restless to rise again?
Direction comes first. Acting is my second priority.

* You studied engineering in the USA and then stayed on for a few years to work there. Any plans for an Indo-US co-production?
I do keep visiting the US, but there are no plans for a co-production. Believe me, there are too many hassles.

* What’s your next project?
Well, Mukta and I are definitely doing a film together. That is my immediate commitment.

*And what about Shreyas? After the rave performance in Iqbal', will you repeat him?
Shreyas did a great job. I am keen on repeating him. Let me find a suitable subject.

 
FESTIVAL BOOKMARK
  DECEMBER 2
  • Corniche (4.00pm-9.30pm): Street Animation, Bands and Interactive Activities
  • Children's Park (4.00pm-7.00pm): Dance competition for children between 6-13 years, Entertainment
  • Multiplex Courtyard (10.00am-10.00pm):FFood Court, Entertainment, Movie Screening. Red Carpet event `Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra.’
  • Caranzalem (6.00pm-10.00pm):Musical concert by Goan band `Brother in Arms,’ Screening of ‘Iqbal’
  • Kala Academy (10.00am-10.00pm):Movie Screening, Entertainment
  • Mobile Cinema (7.00pm-10.00pm): Fatorda `Yahaan’ and Vasco `Paheli’ (Hindi Film), Chakra (Konkani Film)
  • Candolim Beach (6.00pm-11.00pm) Installation Festival by Subodh Kerkar
  • Fontainhas (4.00pm -10.00pm) Festival of the Arts. Lecture by H.H. Ranjitsinhji Gaekwad on his Ravi Verma Collection at People’s, Fontainhas-Mala between 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
  • Konkani Natak Dhao Dhao Dhalo at 8.00pm to 10.00pm at Ralinho Square.
  • Nauser Daruwala 7.00pm to 8.00pm at Park Lane Lodge Square


* Event schedule subject to change