By Hindustan Times
We’ve heard of film stars delaying film schedules as a result of their packed calendars. But a complete film festival? Apparently, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has pushed back its opening date by a day, to house Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.
Producer Vicky Bahri confirms, “We had committed to open the festival on June 10, however it clashed with another tie-up we had with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Singapore.”
Shahid might be co-hosting the once a year awards ceremony, along side Farhan Akhtar. Bahri adds, “Due to the time difference, we will be able to reach Melbourne only by 7.30 pm on June 10. It might be difficult to make it in time for the outlet ceremony, which was going to be presided over by the Premier of Victoria, Ted Ballieu. In order that they were graceful enough to push the festival by an afternoon to house us.”
Now opening on June 11, the festival has The Dirty Picture (2011) star, Vidya Balan, as is its official ambassador. South actor Vijay, 3 Idiots director Raju Hirani, designer Sabyasachi and previous child actor Jugal Hansraj were also slated to wait the festival. They have got already been informed that they should reset their dates.
Bahri adds, “There is a big craze among NRIs and foreigners for Indian movies. These festivals are that allows you to promote the film and increase our fan base.”
Kunal Kohli’s Teri Meri Kahaani, featuring the rumoured ex-couple as on-screen lovers, spans the 1920s, ’60s and finally, 2012.
Mitu Bhowmick-Lange, festival director, IFFM, confirms, “One of the explanations for postponing the date was to house Shahid and Priyanka. Also, June 11 is the Queen’s birthday, a countrywide holiday in Australia. It’s a greater date to start out our celebrations an afternoon later.”
