‘Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne To Celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema’
Minister for Innovation, Services, and Small Business Louise Asher today joined Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Ambassador and one of India’s leading actors Vidya Balan to launch the 2013 festival program in India’s heartland, Mumbai.
“The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a wonderful demonstration of our growing cultural links and shows the creativity and innovations that Melbourne and Mumbai are both famous for.” Ms Asher said.
To Be held from 3 – 5 May 2013, the festival will celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema and will showcase and provide audiences some of the mmost celebrated films of the last century including the very first Indian film “Raja Harishchandra” (1913).
Among the guests of the festival will be Mrs Pamela Chopra visiting Melbourne to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late husband Mr. Yash Chopra. The Award will acknowledge his contribution to film and his special relationship with Victoria. The festival will pay rich tribute to the legendary filmmaker, including screening his final film Jab Tak Hain Jaan.
Vidya Balan speaking at the event said she was delighted to be the ambassador for such a vibrant and exciting festival showcasing the best that Indian Cinema has to offer. “Kolkatta is my first home and Melbourne is like my second home to me and lI look forward to being back, and watch some interesting cinema. I certainly don’t want to miss Raja Harishchandra (1913) on the big screen. On a lighter note she pointed out that she’d be more than willing to accept, if she were to be made lifetime Ambassador for the festival in Melbourne. This would provide me even more opportuities to visit Melbourne.
