Actor Kishore, who is quite vocal in his criticism of the Centre, is the brand ambassador of the 16th edition of BIFFes. Was politics at play in getting him onboard?
Last Updated: 07.17 PM, Feb 04, 2025
Actor Kishore is the brand ambassador of the 16thedition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival, which is set to be held from March 1 to March 8. It’s a responsibility that Kishore was reluctant to take up, even though it’s not a decision-making role. But once on board, he says, he could not be more proud to be associated with the film festival, given the chosen theme of the year – Universal Peace in Diversity.
Kishore’s selection, though, has raised suspicion that the state government took a conscious choice to have him onboard given his often politically-charged social media posts criticizing members of the Central government and their policies. Kishore, though, pooh-poohs this suggestion while speaking to TV9 Kannada, and says, “I have not been chosen because I speak up against certain people, but that does not mean that I am supportive of the ruling section in the state either. I am not in support of any party; I am representing the people at the festival.”
The actor says that his loyalty lies with the people, given that his livelihood comes from the money that audiences spend on seeing him onscreen. His ‘bond’ with people is more emotional and not just business. “Why do people come and watch you onscreen repeatedly? They come to theatres not only for a good film, but also for a not too good one. In fact, they forgive this indiscretion, as something you may have done out of compulsion and hope that you will do better next time,” he says.
A film festival, says Kishore, is a platform to expose people to different cultures through cinema, which, in turn, allows them to grow intellectually and emotionally. Having Kishore as brand ambassador, according to the festival officials, is to break a stereotype – that ‘heroes’ are not the only representatives of cinema. Also, as an outspoken voice of democracy, Kishore seemed the apt choice for a festival that is celebrating one of its pillars.