At the Melbourne Film Festival last week, filmmakers Sriram Raghavan, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, and actors Arjun Kapoor and Tabu represented their films and the entirety of the Indian film industry at the fest. They were joined by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking at the festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Shah said, "Many years ago in 2006-07, I came here when I was a rising superstar giving hit films after hit films. And now I am back here again, still a rising superstar not making as many hit films, as much as I would want to do so."
He added, "I thank everyone for the opportunity to speak here. It's heartening that because of the Indian diaspora, the second generation of Indians here, Indian cinema is getting noticed. It's extremely gratifying and makes every Indian proud. I speak for everyone on the dais today, that we are happy to be here."
Filmmaker Karan Johar who also spoke at the event, mentioned the great films made in the country this year. "It's not the films but the people behind the festival who make it what it is. When I see this fantastic panel and we say the theme is courage, I say the panel is reflective of the glorious courage of our films and changing face of Indian cinema. It represents three feature films that have changed the way we look at Indian cinema and how it has travelled across the globe, making Indian cinema so proud."
Johar added, " And what to say about Shah Rukh Khan, he fully represents super stardom. I firmly believe, in the era we belonged to, the term is understood because of him. It's not just about his large heart but his tremendous presence and aura. The fact that he is an outstanding actor is icing on the cake."
Shah Rukh was felicitated with the Excellence in Cinema honour at the awards. He was presented and the award was presented by Linda Dessau, first female Governor of the State of Victoria.
