Hema Malini inaugurated the 5th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival recently, in one of the oldest cinema halls of the walled city.
“The city has brought back some fond memories as I have shot for several films in the Pink City. In fact, I also shot for the films which were directed by me. And it’s great to be back here,” said Hema.
Also spotted at the ceremony were film critic Jaiprakash Chowksey, Arun Dutt, veteran actors Prem Chopra, Ila Arun, culturist Sundeep Bhutoria and filmmaker Mark Bashit. For her immense contribution to the Indian film industry, Sharmila Tagore was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Hema Malini and Prem Chopra. Chopra also sang an old song from his films Kitna Maja Aa Raha Hai, and all broke into laughter.
A handful of protestors sporting black tee-shirts at the venue with a message that reads ‘Save Rajasthani Cinema’, staged a demonstration demanding due credit to be given to Rajasthani Cinema. Group of about 20 filmmakers, producers and actors staged a protest in the premises of the cinema hall, where the JIFF opening ceremony was organized. “Since people from the film fraternity have gathered here, we want to draw their attention to the problems Rajasthani Cinema is facing in its own state,” said Lakhvinder Singh, a film director. Richa Shukla
src: TOI