''Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara'' gets FIPRESCI award at MAMI

Mumbai, Mar 30 (UNI) Jahnu Barua's critically acclaimed film ''Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara'' won FIPRESCI award at the International Film Festival of Mumbai, organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI), which concluded here today.

Accepting the award, Mr Barua said his main actors Anupam Kher and Urmila Matondkar believed in the unusual subject of his film and their belief was an asset for him as a filmmaker.'' This is the second international recognition for the debut Hindi film of the noted Assamese director after his film won the best actor and best film award at the Riverside film festival.

The film is written and scripted by former journalist Sanjay Chauhan.

The jury voted ''Maine Gandhi...'' as the best film after viewing 19 films.

The Kodak Technical Excellence Award was conferred upon ace cinematographer Ashok Mehta, and the Lifetime Contribution to Music Award was presented to Khayyam.

Anil Kapoor was honoured for completing 25 years in cinema. In a short speech, he said even after 25 years, he experiences the same excitement of his first shot and the same insecurity that he may fail his director or disappoint the audience. ''It will be too pompous to state that I have contributed to cinema in 25 years.

In fact, cinema has made all the contributions to my life,'' he added.

Yash Chopra, who was honoured for Lifetime Contribution to Cinema, said he will be directing a film again which will go on floors this year. He said his 50-year journey in the celluloid business has been fulfilling.

Later talking to reporters, Chopra refused to comment on the criticism directed at him by film-maker Akbar Khan for not acknowledging the signifinance of the release of ''Taj Mahal'' in Pakistan after 41 years.

The ninth edition of the film festival will be held on January five, 2007. This year, the schedule was delayed due to lack of sponsors.

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