the goan I network
PANAJI
Legendary megastar Rajinikanth is to be honoured at the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) slated to be hosted by Goa, designated a permanent venue for the festival, from November 20 to 28.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister announced that the Tamil superstar will be conferred the Icon of Golden Jubilee award. Javadekar also said that French actress Isabelle Huppert will also be honoured at the 50th edition of IFFI this year with the lifetime achievement award for foreign artiste.
Javadekar’s announcement was made on social media platform Twitter. He wrote from his official Twitter handle: “In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, during the past several decades, I am happy to announce that the award for the ICON OF GOLDEN JUBILEE OF #IFFI2019 is being conferred on cine star Shri S. Rajinikanth.”
The megastar on his part, also took to Twitter to acknowledge the honour and thank the Central government.
“I thank the government of India for this prestigious honour bestowed upon me on the golden jubilee of the International film festival of India #IFFI2019,” said the megastar, who is revered for his Omnipotent screen persona and has mostly acted in Tamil films such as “Sivaji: The Boss”, “Lingaa” and “Enthiran” but also is a big hit in Bollywood blockbusters.
Interestingly, Rajinikant otherwise known to keep his political leanings secret has of late publicly postured as tilting towards the BJP-led political formation. He has already announced he will dabble in politics but has not yet spelt out the contours of his political innings.
Meanwhile, Javadekar also announced that Huppert will be conferred the lifetime achievement award for a foreign artiste.
“Happy to announce that Life Time Achievement Award for a ‘Foreign Artiste’ will be conferred on French Actress Isabelle Huppert. #IFFI2019 #IFFIGoa50” Javadekar said in another tweet.
In yet another tweet, the Union minister indicated that the festival will focus on women directors.
“International Film Festival in Goa #IFFIGoa50 will showcase 50 films of 50 women directors #IFFIGoa2019
#IFFIGoldenJubileeEdition,” he said.
“This will show the contribution of women in Indian film industry and will empower them,” he added.
Javadekar also revealed that
out of 200 foreign films being screened, 24 movies are in the race for Oscar nominations.
Russia will be the partner country of the festival this year.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Amitabh Bachchan’s selected seven or eight films will also be showcased at the festival.
More than 10,000 people and cinema enthusiasts are expected to attend the country’s biggest movie extravaganza.
