09 January,2009 09:11 AM IST | | A Correspondent
A light start: Anand Sharma lighting the traditional lamp. Flanking him on either side are Chhagan Bhujbal and Tabu.
The state govt has allotted Rs 50 lakh along with the sponsorship for cash prizes to PIFF. However, it has not given the festival an official status
Despite the fact that Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2009 had been allotted funds of Rs 50 lakh along with the sponsorship for cash prizes to the best international film, actor and actress from the state government, no official status has been accorded by the government.
Even Cultural Minister Harshavardhan Patil and Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal didn't make any official announcement in the inaugural function, which was held at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch yesterday.
Hence, PIFF chairman and MP Suresh Kalmadi and PIFF director Dr Jabbar Patel, in their respective speeches, argued that if Kerala and Goa government can have their own film festivals, why can't PIFF be the official festival of the Maharashtra government.
the clout, Patil asked for a week's time to consult his senior colleagues in the government whereas Chhagan Bhujbal said that there are already two festivals like MAMI and the one that's being held at Nashik. "We will think over it and try to fulfill the demand," assured Bhujbal.
Meanwhile, Anand Sharma, Union minister of state for external affairs andu00a0 minister of information and broadcasting, said that he intends to support the festival and added that PIFF is not only a festival of Pune or Maharashtra but of the entire nation.
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Highlights of PIFF
Bollywood actors Tabu and Randhir Kapoor attended the inaugural function. "My father loved Pune and Punekars. Though he's not with us, he's still in our hearts," said Kapoor. Tabu added, "I have grown up by watching films of Sulochanadidi and Shashi Kapoor and Hemaji was always my source of inspiration."
Actress Sulochana, Hema Malini and actor Shashi Kapoor were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
PIFF 2009 also honoured Bharat Ratna Pt Bhimsen Joshi.
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His son and disciple Shrinivas Joshi accepted the award on his behalf.
Remembering Tendulkar
As a tribute to late playwright and screenplay writer Vijay Tendulkar, the PIFF 2009, for the first time, has organised a screenplay-writing workshop for scriptwriters of Marathi films. "There is a dearth of good writing despite the fact that about 110 Marathi films are being made every year," Dr Jabbar Patel said.
