Ignoring Amitabh: Invitations handled by Centre, says Goa authority

Kochi, Nov 8 (UNI) Washing its hands off the controversy regarding the ''ignoring'' of superstar Amitabh Bachchan at the International Film Festival of India again this year, the Entertainment Society of Goa said that the invitations for the opening and closing functions were handled by the Directorate of Film Festivals, under the Centre.

Asked why Amitabh Bachchan was not invited for the 37th IFFI, which will start at Panjim, Goa, on November 23, Mr Nikhil Desai, General Manager of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), an autonomous body under the Goa Government, said that the invitations were handled by the DFF, which is under the union information and broadcasting ministry.

Last year also, the superstar was initially reported to have been invited to be the chief guest at the IFFI, but the invitation was later cancelled.

''Mr Amitabh Bachchan has not been invited either for the inaugural or closing ceremonies. But, there are thousands of accomplished actors. Why single out any particular actor. Besides, IFFI is an open festival and any citizen of India can attend it,'' Mr Desai said at a press conference here.

Popular actor of yesteryears Shashi Kapoor is to be the chief guest at the IFFI this year.

Prabhu Deva, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Ritesh Deshmukh, Javed Akhtar and several other film luminaries would take part in a 'Gala Star Night', which will be a part of the opening day festivities, Mr Desai said.

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