I'm more famous in India than in Iran, says Majidi

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, who admires Satyajit Ray's work, says he feels he is more famous in India than in his own country.

"It is a great honour for me to be among the Indian artistes and all the Indian big names here. I knew Indian cinema through Satyajit Ray, the famous Indian film director, and it was always my dream to make a film in India," Majidi said before the screening of his maiden India-set project "Beyond The Clouds" here.

Majidi, who is also working on his second India-set project, added: "I believe I am more famous in India rather than (in) my country."

The film, which introduces Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan, was the opening movie at the 48th International FIlm Festival of India (IFFI), which started on Monday and will go on till November 28.

"Beyond The Clouds" highlights the sister-brother bond in a heart warming way.

"There are many cultural similarities between Iran and India and I was looking for a chance to make a film here in India. So, after years it fortunately happened.

"It was a wonderful production team to work with, it was an all-Indian crew, so it was a wonderful collaboration between the teams. The film was premiered at the London Film Festival, but for me the real premiere is tonight. I am so excited to see the film, with the Indian audience tonight here," he said on Monday night.

He says he had fun while working on "Beyond The Clouds".

--IANS

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