Move over Bunty aur Babli, It’s Robert aur Rani…

Rani Mukherjee stole the show completely at the recently concluded Festival of Indian Films

BY PREETI JABBAL

Bunty aur Babli, another improbable pair that hit Melbourne stage recently were Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Bollywood queen Rani Mukherjee. Rani, in her flamboyant Bollywood ishtyle, professed to ‘be in love’ with the blushing/beaming mayor after having met him, for the first time, in a lunch meeting that day. She also added (very tongue-in-cheek) that she would have married him if she was born 20 years earlier. Friendly, flippant and flirtatious, Rani enamoured the Mayor and delighted her fans in Melbourne. Even John Brumby, the Victorian Premier, gave in to her charm and danced to Bollywood hits along with the petite star from India.

Rani was addressing a select audience of invitees at the gala awards night held at BMW Edge in Federation square. The awards night was part of the Bollywood and Beyond Film Festival organised by Mind Blowing Films. Also present were renowned directors Rajkumar Hirani (of 3 Idiots and fame) Imtiaz Ali (Love Aaj Kal and Jab We Met Singh (Dil Bole Hadippa) and Sohail Khan who filmed his latest feature Main Aur Mrs. Khanna The invitees were chuffed to rub shoulders with the cream of cinematic crop from Bollywood; however, it was the talented Rani who easily stole the show with her vivacious presence.

Even John Brumby, the Victorian Premier, gave in to her charm and danced to Bollywood hits along with the petite star from India

The Indian Film Festival 2010 was held at various venues around Melbourne starting with an inaugural event held at Cinema Nova in Carlton. The opening night saw Rani introduce her hit movies Dil Bole Hadippa and Black to the audience. The audience warmed up quickly to Rani as she answered their questions and singled them out in the audience. One enthusiast sang a little ditty for Rani and was rewarded with a hug from her. A ten-year-old girl was almost delirious when Rani agreed to sing with her on stage and later hugged and kissed her. During the short introduction several fans were presented with an opportunity to gain audience with the queen of Bollywood. It was a classic case of she came, she smiled, she spoke in her husky voice, she sang, danced and without a doubt, she conquered.

The magic continued over the next few days with the screenings of hits like 3 Idiots with an introduction from writer and director Raju Hirani while Sohail Khan introduced Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Both the screenings were held free of cost at Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square. Hundreds braved the elements to catch a glimpse of the magic makers and participate in the Q & As that followed the introductions.

Other Bollywood hits that featured during the festival were Paa, Dostana, Ghajini, Kaminey, Love Aaj Kal, Luck By Chance, Dev D, New York, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Wake up Sid. From regional India came Harishchandrachi Factory, Chaturanga, Mee Sreyobhilashi, Mudhal Mudhal Varai and Shob Choritro Kalponik Several award winning documentaries were also screened. People in Perth, Sydney and Auckland also experienced the wholesome Bollywood fare.

A short Film competition was held for the first time as part of the IFF 2010 and the prize for best film was picked up by Soya Milk (directed by Veeran and produced by Lester) and Asai (directed by Samson from Tamil Nadu, India). Director Kunal Kohli, Kabir Khan, Mick Molloy, Rajkumar Hirani and Imtiaz Ali were on the judging panel. A Bollywood dance fest was organised at Fed Square that saw enthusiastic participation from Melbournians. Winners and grinners danced to the beats of Desi Girls, Kadi te has bole re and Dola re dola

The ‘feel good’ formula that works with Bollywood films also worked at the festival. From the ardent Bollywood followers to those newly acquainted for everyone.

Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange agrees.

“Our biggest aim this year was to present a wide range of productions from all around India, rather than just the mainstream Bollywood industry. This year we had a great selection of regional films and documentaries. We wanted to present a fuller presence of Indian cinema. This is why this year’s festival was called “Bollywood and Beyond”. Bollywood is making a significant impact globally and our festival was a true representation of Indian cinema. The feedback so far has been very encouraging,” she said.

The glitz of Bollywood movies, the glamour of dressing up like a Bollywood star to win a prize, and the gossip of who met which star will keep the community abuzz for some time. The Facebook generation has already been documenting their brush with celebrity through posts and photographs. The Bollywood Festival 2010 will remain in the news way beyond its nominated dates. What worked wonderfully for this festival was the interactive and inclusive list of events. Let’s hope the organisers have made a mental note to continue with