Kareena Kapoor Khan dressed in a stunning black saree, designed by Tanya Ghavri, was the special invitee at the inaugural function of the 10th edition of Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes). Bebo is one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood. From films like Chameli, playing the role of a sex worker to Ki & Ka, an ambitious businesswoman, she has made fans all across the world. However, unlike few other Bollywood actress, she has no plans to make an entry in Hollywood, as for now.
Coming back to shape sooner than expected, after her pregnancy she also recently talked about the trend of zero sizes. “I don’t know how the size-zero thing started—but I was only 27 and I wanted to do it for a role. It looked amazing, but that was then. I’ve been in the business for a long time since, and I’m more mature—now, it’s about being fit. I’m definitely comfortable in my skin right now.” During the ceremony which was marked with razzle and dazzle of the industry, Bebo said, “Cinema is the coming together of people, which has no language, religion and regional boundaries. It is in my blood. It is my passion and it is food for the soul for me.”
Her grandfather Raj Kapoor had shot many films in Mysuru and had a special connection with the city. Recollecting the memories she said, “My grandfather Raj Kapoor’s spirit is amongst us tonight, blessing us all storytellers, directors to keep up the good work they are doing … I am saying this not because of my presence, it is because of his (Raj Kapoor’s) love for Mysuru.” During the ceremony, she also expressed her interest in featuring in a Kannada film. Bebo said that though she does not know the language but some day in some film would love to entertain them in their language.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, director of Rang De Basanti, who was also present at the event said, “I’m the son-in-law of Karnataka as my wife, P.S. Bharati, (who worked for Rang De Basanti as editor) is from Bengaluru. Prising the Karnataka government for its support and encouragement to the film industry, he added, “I have not seen a government which is putting its heart and soul, besides support and patronage.”
Cinematographer Marc Baschet feeling proud to be a part of the ceremony said that attending Biffes was as good as attending the Oscars for him. Renowned Iranian actor Fatemeh Motamed-Arya said that film industry was family to him. “Wherever there is cinema, we can see peace and humanity,” he added. S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, the chairperson of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, also announced the laying of foundation stone for film city in Mysuru on Mar. 6, this year. He also told that Chief Minister Siddramiah has given assurance regarding the laying of foundation stone. During the ceremony Mr Babu and Sa.Ra. Govindu, president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce expressed their gratitude towards Karnataka government. They said that “Kannada film industry was indebted to Mr Siddaramaiah.”