Gulzar opens LIFF, nervous to showcase 'Mere Apne'

The second edition of the Ladakh International Film Festival was inaugurated by veteran lyricist Gulzar, who is showcasing his debut film 'Mere Apne' during the three-day event here.
The festival kicked off with Gulzar, Chief Executive Commissioner Leh Rigzin Spalbar and Rigzin Jora, Minister of Urban Development Jammu and Kashmir lighting the lamp at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kala Kendra.
As many as 120 films including feature, short and documentary films will be screened during the festival.
"I congratulate the organizers for arranging this festival at the highest location to begin with in the beautiful valley. I am happy and honor to present my debut film 'Mere Apne' here. I was nervous while making this film and is nervous even today as I am presenting the film here in front of you all today," Gulzar, 79, said.

"I would have come here for honeymoon but now there is no second chance," he joked.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion were patron Vishal Bharadwaj, wife Rekha, filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, actress-filmmaker Aparna Sen, who is the Chairperson of the Jury this season, National-award wining Marathi actress Usha Jadhav and others.
"I have taken the charge from Shyam Benegal as he couldn't make it here. I am thankful to be part of this festival and support in my way. This year is very special because of Gulzar saab, there is retrospective on him, he is my mentor and father. I am waiting to see his first film 'Mere Apne'," Vishal said.