The 5th Chandigarh Music and Film Festival opens with a bevy of stars

The mood was sombre yet full of hope as stars gathered at the opening of the 5th Chandigarh Music and Film Festival at Municipal Bhawan-35 Chandigarh.

From renowned director Rahul Rawail, actor comedian Ali Asgar, actor-director Priti Sapru to Pollywood veteran Nirmal Rishi, the night was dedicated to celebrating cinema, in the shadows of Pahalgam attack.

Actor-singer Karamjit Anmol enjoyed his star status as enthusiastic fans scrambled to get clicked with him, and he readily obliged. What’s more, he even sang Dheeyan da Geet to the delight of his fans.

Seema Kaushal said cinema is the food for her soul. The actress, who has been a part of the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, said, “Our cinema has evolved over the years. For its sustenance and growth we need audience to come and watch films in cinema.”

Dazzling in yellow, actor-director Priti Sapru thanked her fans. “An artiste is successful only if people accept and love her. I am grateful for all the love that has come my way,” said the Heer Ranjha actress. Born into a Kashmiri family, who embraced Sikhism, she took the opportunity to share about her Yatra Pukaar. “The Sikh Gurus sacrificed everything to save the Hindus. This time again, we are starting Yatra Pukaar starting from Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib to save Kashmir!”

She also talked about the need of starting a film institute in the region. “The youth is very talented and a film institute can help the youngsters from the region to make their mark in the industry.”

Anang Desai, dressed in sharp suit, evoked the old-world charm. Thanking the organisers for the festival, he shared, “I want to use this platform to pay tributes to the Pahalgam victims. I pray for peace and justice!”

It was Kapil Sharma show’s ‘dadi’, Ali Asagar, who lightened the mood. “I have no connection with Chandigarh. No relatives or no time spent but the real essence of dadi is Punjabi.” Looking at Nirmal Rishi, he shared, “I am missing my suit- dupatta get-up, should have brought it along.”

The opening night was also a forum to discuss and promote cinema. Inaamul Haq brought along a film, The Shoes I Wore, which he has produced. The film is getting good initial response. He avers, “It’s a real fight for good cinema to reach its goal. Struggle is a huge part of it.”

Though they claim that ‘content is the king’ but the truth remains the star is still the king, he pointed out. “About 2,000 films are made each year in our country, but many lose the race before their finishing line.”

“The run of many independent films is confined to in the festival circuits only. If you come across the release of small films in cinema, please go and watch it. Skip the popcorn but do support cinema,” the National School of Drama alumnus pleaded.

Another film which was promoted here was Love Karu Yaaa Shaadi. It stars Ali Asgar and Mushtaq Khan. “When I was called for the film’s promotions, I was not sure but when they mentioned Chandigarh, I jumped at the opportunity,” shared Mushtaq Khan. “The film offers a fair smattering of love, romance and drama. In a world where live-in has become a precursor to marriage, it’s going to be relatable to different age groups,” shared the film’s director Jaiprakkash Shaw. The film will release on May 23.

Among the heavyweights who attended the opening ceremony were Rahul Rawail, who directed films like Love Story, Betaab, Arjun, Dacait, Anjaam, Arjun Pandit and others. “If you ask me, love is enough,” he quipped. Actor Dibyendu Bhattaharya won hearts as he shared that it was in Chandigarh where he found the love of his life and wife – Richa Bhattacharya.

The two-day festival will continue today at Chandigarh University, offering screenings and interactive sessions with film industry professionals.

Rajesh Sharma, director of the festival, said, “This festival is a platform where stories, voices and creative visions from across the country come together. It’s heartening to witness such overwhelming participation from both veterans and emerging talent."

Lifestyle