Salmam Khan at KIFF 2023, Kolkata International Film Festival 2023
Once I decide on something, I stick to it. That famous line from Salman Khan’s Wanted became the foundation for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to secure a public ‘commitment’ from Bollywood’s ‘Bhaijan.’ He promised to choose Bengal for some of his upcoming film projects.
“Bhaijaan” @BeingSalmanKhan arriving at #KIFF2023 welcomed by The Hon’ble CM of WB, Ms. @MamataOfficial ‼️ pic.twitter.com/nJtMgeFpaV
— 𝐑𝐢𝐣𝐮 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚 (@DrRijuDutta_TMC) December 5, 2023
Bhaijan, in return, praised Didi for living in a “very small house.” Surprisingly, he found her house even smaller than his own. The actor was amazed at how someone in her position could have a smaller house, highlighting the simplicity of people and their modest living needs.
Salmam Khan at KIFF 2023
At the inauguration of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF 2023), Banerjee danced with Bollywood celebrities to the festival’s theme song, ‘Sahar Jurey Cinema.’ She used this platform to encourage Bollywood stars to bring their talent back to Bengal.
Bengal CM @MamataOfficial didi joins Bollywood star @BeingSalmanKhan , @AnilKapoor and Sonakshi sinha , as the dance to the official #KIFF2023 theme song … #KIFF #KolkataFilmFestival #SalmanKhan #MamataBanerjee #SouravGanguly pic.twitter.com/eVNygKfj8c
— Amit Mitra (@AITCAmitMitra) December 5, 2023
Banerjee urged Khan, the festival’s chief guest, for a ‘reverse migration’ of Bollywood to Bengal. She asked him if he would return to Bengal for shooting and attend the next edition of the film festival. Without hesitation, Bhaijan committed to coming back for his film shoots, making a promise on the stage.
Mamata Banerjee said that she missed Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan at Kolkata International Film Festival. She said Shah Rukh Khan is busy in movie promotion.
— 😎Sourav Srkian Das😎 (@SrkianDas04) December 5, 2023
Meanwhile #SalmanKhan 😂#KIFF2023 #DunkiTrailerpic.twitter.com/iD0N0j9BEl
During her speech at the star-studded KIFF 2023 inaugural event, Banerjee invited the film industry to work in Bengal, promoting it as a filmmaking destination. She assured them of the state’s readiness, offering various locations from the hills of Darjeeling to the sea coasts of the southern parts.
The KIFF 2023 stage featured a mix of Bollywood and local celebrities, including Anil Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha, Mahesh Bhatt, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, along with Bengal’s own Sourav Ganguly, legendary stars, and renowned directors.
A total of 219 films from 39 countries would be showcased during the week-long festival across 23 theaters in Calcutta, as confirmed by the organizers.
Banerjee emphasized collaboration between Mumbai and Kolkata’s film industries, pointing out the talent in Tollywood. She encouraged creative personalities from both cities to work together, expressing a mutual readiness for collaboration.
Superstar Anil Kapoor acknowledged Bengal’s foundational contributions to Bollywood and paid a special tribute to the state’s Mahanayak, Uttam Kumar.