KIFF inauguration: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, and others dance to the theme song

It was the idea of June Malia – the co-anchor of the evening. The theme song video was playing and she noticed that Anil Kapoor and Salman Khan were enjoying the song. Soon after the first round of the song was over, she invited the two superstars to show some dance moves. The song was replayed and the guests, including Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, and others, danced to it. Bhaijaan made sure Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined them and the audience cheered for them.

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It was nothing short of a galaxy of stars as the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival began its journey at Netaji Indoor Stadium on November 5. Salman Khan, along with others, lit the lamp. Danseuse Dona Ganguly’s troupe from Dikshamajari presented the opening dance with a song. Sourav Ganguly, Shatrughna Sinha, Mahesh Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, and others presented their speech. 

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Anil Kapoor recalled his days while shooting Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya – a film by MS Sathyu. He was nostalgic while remembering his days at a guest house in Ballygunge while shooting the film in the City of Joy. He also paid tribute to Uttam Kumar – the Mahanayak. “There is a film of mine Nayak that you (the audience) all made successful. I learnt about the other film Nayak by Satyajit Ray in which Uttam Kumar played the lead. This is my homage to the Mahanayak,” he said. 

Salman Khan was the last speaker. He joked that whatever he wanted to say had been said by Mahesh Bhatt, Shatrughna Sinha, Sonakshi Sinha, and Anil Kapoor. He also expressed his surprise at how Mamata Banerjee lived in a smaller house than his. Later, he lauded the contribution of Bengali artists – actors, actresses, directors, musicians, and other crew members – who went to Mumbai and contributed to Hindi cinema. He then said, “Like the Hindi film industry welcomed them, I want the Bengali film industry to also welcome us. I would love to work in Bengal.” 

Sourav expressed his joy of meeting Salman Khan for the first time. He explained the word Tollywood – an industry that is based out of Tollygunge,” he said.