Srk n kajol selfie pic 4rm kolkata. - Page 5

SRK wins hearts at starry opening

Shah Rukh Khan stole the show at the inauguration of the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival on Friday, blowing kisses at the packed Netaji Indoor Stadium, acknowledging almost every cheer and promising to turn up in a dhoti next year. During the November 10-17 festival, 143 films from 53 countries will be screened under 16 sections at 12 venues. Delegates from over 20 countries have come down to Calcutta for the carnival, according to chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Metro brings you some special moments from the show

LETTING OTHERS LIGHT THE LAMP FIRST

Amitabh Bachchan was the first to do the honours at the formal lighting of the lamp. He then passed the candle to Shah Rukh, who is the brand ambassador of Bengal. But Shah Rukh instead of lighting the lamp himself passed it to industry seniors Kamal Haasan and then Mahesh Bhatt before lighting one himself.

THE DHOTI PROMISE

A minute into his speech and having struggled with some Bengali phrases like "sanskriti o oitijhyo sambriddho e sahar (this city rich in culture and heritage) as he read out from a piece of paper, Shah Rukh Khan said: "Next time I am going to ask my wonderful friends to give me a dhoti also. And I will speak in full-full' Bengal fluently. The crowd cheered loud and long.

STADIUM CHEER FOR SHAH RUKH

The stands were packed to capacity much before the start of the programme. It was largely a quiet crowd but all hell broke loose at 4.06pm when a young voice cried out "Look Shah Rukh" pointing at one of the aisles leading to the podium. In a moment the gathering of a few thousand at Netaji Indoor Stadium broke into a roar that would make a Virat Kohli proud next door at Eden Gardens during the Test match versus Sri Lanka starting Thursday.

MAMATA SKETCHES CAPTURED

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee was making sketches while she listened to the various speakers on the dais. Shah Rukh, who was seated next to Mamata, asked to see her booklet of sketches and promptly captured the drawings on his mobile phone as the chief minister smiled indulgently and Kajol looked on.

Amitabh Bachchan (right) and Kamal Haasan sharing a light moment during the inauguration ceremony. Haasan, in his speech, said his heart swelled with pride at being considered to be part of Friday's gathering and lauded Mamata for her "energy and enthusiasm in organising the event. Bachchan, who has been present at the last four inaugurations of the film festival, lauded the contribution of music directors, singers and lyricists from Bengal to Bollywood over the years.