Naseeruddin Shah inaugurates Jagran Film Festival

With the screening of two back-to- back Indian and Pakistani movies "Toba Tek Singh" and "Chotay Shah" respectively, the seventh edition of Jagran Film Festival today opened here amid much fanfare.
The five-day cinematic extravaganza was inaugurated by the festival's chief guest and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah by lighting a lamp.
The festival will witness a retrospective on Shah's five acclaimed films including "Waiting", "Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai" and "Monsoon Wedding".
While introducing Shah on stage, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said he is one of the reasons why he joined the industry.
"I have been waiting for this moment all my life... What a man would say about Naseeruddin Shah. One of the reasons why I came to Mumbai from Sagar is sitting right in front of me... He is not only a brilliant actor but a writer and performer. He is somebody without whom you cannot define the Indian cinema," Mishra said.

Ketan Mehta, who was also present during the occasion, said he is the first modern actor of Indian cinema.

"In my humble earnest opinion, I really believe that Naseer is truly the first modern actor of Indian cinema. I believe that the entire next generation of actors have derived so much from his passion, craft, skill and his love for what he is doing. I feel that we haven't acknowledged him enough," he said.
With Cuba being the focus country of the festival, nine Cuban films will be screened which will highlight the evolution of cinema there right from its inception in 1897 to the present time.

"I hope with the screening of Cuban films in India, we can further foster the friendship between India and Cuba," said ambassador-designate of Cuba Oscar Israel Martinez.
The festival will also pay tribute to veteran filmmaker- producer-actor V Shantaram in a special section. The Delhi edition of the festival will see the screening of 102 films.