IFFM 2015 program reveal @ Indian Consul, 1 July 2015

If I had time to Photoshop I'd put Mitu's face on the choo-choo.

A lot of important things were discussed at Wednesday's program launch of the 2015 Indian Film Festival Melbourne (IFFM). Themes of freedom and equality in Indian cinema, the revolutionary 'girl power' displayed in the animated Burka Avenger series out of Pakistan, Bollywood's role in the transformation of Indian society, even the predictably polarising subject of sexuality on the big screen.

What struck me throughout the afternoon press conference at the Consulate General of India, however, was the impossible task Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange and her trailblazing team at Mind Blowing Films faced this year. Last year's IFFM boasted the most beloved star in the Indian universe, Amitabh Bachchan. Even today that sentence beggars belief. Did Bollywood superstar and Indian demi-god Amitabh Bachchan really come to Melbourne last year and participate in a variety of IFFM events, the finale being his appearance at the first-ever IFFM Awards in front of a packed and rapturous Princess Theatre? Did that actually happen?

Yeah, it did. And it was life-changing for all involved.

Time marches inexorably on, of course, and I imagine Mitu & Co. were daunted by the task of starting from scratch and gearing up for 2015's followup. But, like the words of the Little Engine That Could every American kid has programmed into his/her head -- "I think I can, I think I can ..." -- Mitu and her colleagues have pushed aside the weight of heightened expectations and delivered a festival bound to resonate in Australia, India and beyond.

Again.

Madhabi Mukherjee in Satyajit Ray's 'Charulata'

I'll be posting more in the coming weeks about 2015 IFFM offerings before it kicks off Friday 14 August with a screening of Prashant Nair's Umrika, a World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award winner at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. (Festival tickets go on sale 15 July.) As mentioned, Wednesday's press conference was held at the Indian Consulate on leafy St Kilda Road. No glitz, no glam, introduced eloquently by Consul General Manika Jain, the highlight for most was the magnitude of starpower coming to Melbourne: Anil Kapoor and his daughter Sonam, Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan, Simi Garewal, Rajkumar Hirani and many others.

If those names mean nothing to you, here's a quick primer: Anil Kapoor's an East/West acting legend who's been a household name in India for 30 years. Sonam Kapoor's an actress on the rise whose fashion-sense lands her on magazine covers and outspokenness gives entertainment industry writers bahut headlines. Kangana Ranaut, an attendee of last year's festival, starred in one of 2014's biggest hits (Queen) and the 2015 blockbuster Tanu Weds Manu Returns. Imran Khan's a heart-throb who hails from Bollywood royalty (he's the nephew of Aamir Khan, a genius whose work you REALLY ought to know). Simi Garewal's a living legend who's been a radiant presence at the last two IFFMs. Rajkumar Hirani is back as well. He's only a writer/director with a string of box office success unmatched by anyone. Anywhere. In any market.

Kangana at IFFM 2014.

A truly astounding collection of talent and celebrity. And that's only a small pool of people on their way to Melbourne next month.

Living in Australia means finding many products, services, destinations and just about everything else claiming to be the 'Southern Hemisphere's greatest ...' but what we enjoy in Melbourne every year is verifiably the Southern Hemisphere's greatest annual celebration of Indian cinema.

For 2015, here's verification:

• An opening weekend that intentionally coincides with Indian Independence Day on 15 August. Both the Consul General and Mitu were especially proud to announce a flag-raising ceremony will be held at Federation Square to mark the occasion, followed by the always popular Bollywood dance competition.
• An equality theme with real, actual teeth: Films and documentaries deemed too controversial to be screened in India on gay and transgender issues, acid attacks on women, and religious charlatans, as perfectly satirised in Aamir Khan's PK.
• Screenings of blockbuster Bollywood films that defy East/West categorisation ... they're simply great films. In other words: They're safe for white people! You'll love 'em!
• The usual mix of arthouse and indie films that consistently exceed expectations and nearly always teach this child of the West as much as they entertain. 
• Films from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and other parts of the world where people live and love and lose and have stories worth sharing. 
• A showcase of India's greatest films, including screenings of digitally remaster classics by legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
• A closing night world premiere of Kabir Khan's Phantom starring Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Choo! Choo!

Consul General Manika Jain makes opening remarks.

I look forward to snapping photos of Anil Kapoor standing both in the flesh and in closer proximity to Mitu next month.

Press conference crowd.

As always, I was struck by Mitu's ability to teach as well as promote. She wears her passion for all things Indian cinema on her sleeve but it's the wisdom behind her passion that lingers.

IFFM Awards Night @ Princess Theatre 2 May 2014

Looking out over a packed house at Melbourne's Princess Theatre Friday night, John Molloy, co-director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, described a challenge issued by Simi Garewal at the conclusion of last year's IFFM. Simi, who's worn many hats during her 50-year-career in Indian film and TV and is a member of the IFFM's advisory board, acknowledged the growth of the festival but wanted to know, in effect, 'Now what?' John let it slip to being "terrified" of the elegant 'Lady in White' but understood that the festival did, in fact, need to take another big step. But how? Where to? What was next?

Those of us in attendance at the inaugural Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards Night knew exactly what Simi's challenge wrought: A rousing evening that paid tribute to the best of Bollywood and Melbourne's vibrant Indian culture.

And gave grown men and women a chance to holler for attention at the always dignified Amitabh Bachchan . (More on that in a future blog post.)

Here's a chronological look at the night's highlights:

Aradhna and I had seats in the middle of the 4th row, which put us 3 rows behind Mr Bachchan and in the middle of pre-show hubbub. Going clockwise: Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange greeting VIPs; an unintentional yet strangely appropriate shot of Mr Bachchan entering the theatre via a side door; a Christian Dior-attired Kangana Ranaut standing beside a seated Ted Baillieu (former Victorian premier); Mr Bachchan taking his seat in the dark to thunderous shouting and applause; women looking radiant in saris; the view of Mr Bachchan from my seat.

After a bit of comedy from MC Jehan Ratnatunga, Raina Devi Sundaram and Govind Pillai of Karma Dance made traditional Indian dance look like an Olympic event.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange.

Short film competition judges Vijay Acharya and Paul Cox. Vijay had announced the winners, Abhishek Verma's 'Chasni' and Don Percy's 'Makeover' at a morning press conference. Cox prefaced his remarks by saying tongue in cheek that he'd just returned from filming in the subcontinent and that it "feels like India is taking over the world." He also said Indian cinema "makes you believe in film again." Amen, Mr Cox.

Director Don Percy accepts his award for 'Makeover' from Monica Khanna of Western Union, sponsor of the short film competition. 'Chasni' director Abhishek Verma is based in India and couldn't accept his award in person.

Alistair Park of IFFM sponsor Telstra (he's the -- surprise! -- tall white guy in this photo) presents 'Dhoom 3' producers Vijay Acharya, Avtar Panesar and their colleagues with the People's Choice Award for highest grossing Indian film in Australia for 2013. Dhoom 3 earned $1.7 million.

In what was a recurring theme of the evening, Vijay Acharya addressed Mr Bachchan directly while accepting his award. He referred to Big B as the "original Vijay", and said the Indian cinema legend is the reason he chose a career in film.

Melbourne's Bombay Royale provided funky and exceptionally fashionable entertainment.

Introducing the awards portion of the night, festival co-director John Molloy describes the upside to being terrified by Simi Garewal.

Director Ritesh Batra accepts Best Indie Film award for 'The Lunch Box'.

Class act Farhan Akhtar, who won Best Actor for his superhuman (literally -- take a look at the guy's torso) performance in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', sent a video acceptance speech.

Kangana Ranaut takes the stage after winning Best Actress for 'Queen'.

The camera loves Kangana.

Kangana presents Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra with a Best Director award for 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'.

Not surprisingly, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' captured Best Film, too.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra had every right to give the night's longest speeches: he'd flown from the IIFA Awards in Tampa, Florida to accept his awards for 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and had to leave immediately for India afterwards. In my opinion, that reflects the personal connection Mitu's made with the Indian cinema community.

Love this photo of Mitu watching from the wings.

A dance troupe from Shiamak gave a performance especially designed for Mr Bachchan. He later said he was glad dancers like this weren't around when he was a young man -- he didn't think he could mimic their hip movements.

Simi Garewal asked "How do you dissect a legend?" at the start of her introduction of Amitabh Bachchan and was rewarded with a roar when she admitted, "When he's on screen I can't look at anyone else." Simi nearly brought the house down when she concluded by saying, "There are actors. There are stars. And there is Amitabh Bachchan!"

Mr Bachchan strides to the podium.

He accepts International Screen Icon Award from Victorian parliament member Heidi Victoria.

As he did at the night before prior to a screening of 'Sholay 3D', Mr Bachchan recited a dialogue from 'Kabhi Kabhie' (see video below).

Mitu explained how she'd experienced the best morning of her life when LaTrobe University presented an Indian student with an annual scholarship worth $200K in Mr Bachchan's honour.

Even in shadows, Mr Bachchan looms large.

Realising everyone in the room was lusting for a photo with Big B, Mitu gathered everyone back on stage and had photographers take shots with the crowd in the background.

A man of such dignity shouldn't be bombarded by shouts from boorish 'fans' seeking his attention.

Mr Bachchan taking a selfie.

Check out Ritesh Batra snapping Mr Bachchan's photo.

Bombay Royale closed out the night in style.

Kangana Ranaut at Indian Film Festival Melbourne press conference, 2 May 2014

Call it kismet.

After yesterday's brush with godlike Amitabh Bachchan, today offered a more subdued Indian Film Festival of Melbourne press conference. Smaller room, fewer cameras, no government officials. Even Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange was absent (though her excuse -- accompanying Mr Bachchan to LaTrobe University to present an Indian student with a $200K scholarship in Mr Bachchan's honour -- was incredible). Today's 'presser' was to announce the winner of IFFM's annual short film contest. One of the judges, Vijay Acarya, is the writer/director of 'Dhoom 3', the highest grossing film in Indian cinema history. One of the most powerful figures in Indian cinema humbly answered questions about the winning film entries, 'Makeover' and 'Chasni', which will be formally announced at tonight's awards ceremony.

Vijay was answering a question when a quiet rustling rose from the back of the room. It signalled the entrance of perhaps India's most admired actress of the moment, Kananga Ranaut. She strode to the front of the room and took a seat.

Believe me, you could hear air being sucked into lungs. And kept there.

Kangana is dazzling. I drag my ass off a long-distance flight looking like a mechanised corpse. Kangana flies into Melbourne at who knows what time and arrives at a noon press conference exuding a quiet glamour that a handful of humans can pull off. Unsurprisingly, most of the remaining questions were for her. Her work in 'Queen' garnered a Best Actress nomination at tonight's first IFFM Awards Night and is collecting accolades worldwide. My wife Aradhna and I saw it two weeks ago in the wilds of Dandenong and spent the 40-minute ride home raving about her performance.

Most of the questions from the Indian-dominated press were of the you-can-Google-the-bloody-answer variety but I was lucky to ask the final question. Some morning coffee web-surfing revealed Kangana's reticence to attend award ceremonies, which are as common in Mumbai as monsoons, so I asked why she'd flown all the way to Melbourne to attend the IFFM awards. She smiled (good god help me) and said that eight years ago, at the start of her acting career, she'd meant to travel to Australia for a role that fell through. Ever since she'd seen the world but had never made it to Australia. She also mentioned having heard about the IFFM from Simi Garewal, whose discussion at Melbourne University was one of the 2013 IFFM's highlights, and was excited to hear Amitabh Bachchan was to be in attendance.

The biggest star in Indian cinema at the moment addressing a group of small-time reporters in a Melbourne CBD Sofitel the day after Amitabh Bachchan opened this year's film festival. I left spellbound.

Here's Kangana responding to a question about preparing for the wildly disparate characters she portrays in 'Queen' and recently released (though not in Australia) 'Revolver Rani':

Indian cinema powerhouses: Vijay Krishna Acarya and Kangana Ranaut.