By Subhash Ghai
This year’s International Film Festival of India (IFFI) just concluded last week, on 28 November 2024. In this gala celebration of all things about films and the industry, the high note was a historic celebration of the works of four legendary figures in Indian cinema: The Versatile Actor – Akkineni Nageswara Rao, The Master Showman – Raj Kapoor, The Eternal Voice – Mohammed Rafi and The Genius Storyteller – Tapan Sinha. These luminous icons graced the industry with their unique talents and perspectives, casting an indelible spell that has inspired generations of filmmakers, musicians, and audiences alike. Their legacies continue to echo through the ages.
Raj Kapoor, a titan of Indian cinema, is revered for his multifaceted talent as an actor, director,
studio owner and producer. His films often addressed social issues with humour and empathy, making him a voice for the common person. Tapan Sinha, known for his poignant narratives and keen social insights, was a master filmmaker from Bengal whose work often highlighted the conflicts of ordinary people. His ability to blend artistry with social commentary has made his films timeless.
Akkineni Nageswara Rao, popularly known as ANR, was a colossus in the realm of Telugu cinema, celebrated for his remarkable adaptability and potent performances. Spanning over six decades, his illustrious career saw him become an emblem of countless iconic roles.
Mohammed Rafi, one of the most cherished Indian playback singers, is renowned for his exceptional vocal range and expressive singing. His timeless melodies have captivated audiences across generations and languages.
A film festival becomes truly meaningful once it reflects on its history and pays tribute to its
beginnings. The 55th edition of IFFI not only celebrated the cinematic achievements of these icons, but also served as a platform to introduce their legacies to new generations of film enthusiasts. Marking the centenary of their remarkable legacies, the film festival brought their unparalleled contributions to the forefront through meticulously curated events, screenings and performances.
The centenary celebrations kicked off right from Day One, from the stage of the colourful opening ceremony. A powerful audio-visual presentation traced the journeys of ANR, Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, and Tapan Sinha, leaving the audience awestruck. Adding a poetic touch to the evening, actor Boman Irani recited evocative poems dedicated to each of the honourees, underscoring their profound impact on Indian cinema. A unique highlight of the ceremony was the launch of a special stamp collection dedicated to them. Featuring the iconic images of these four legends, this commemorative philatelic tribute immortalised their contributions to cinema and culture.
Much appreciably, the festival offered a series of panel discussions and in-conversation sessions with family members, collaborators, and film industry stalwarts. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the personal and professional lives of these legends.
Renowned actor Khushbu Sundar and the legend’s son and actor Nagarjuna Akkineni highlighted Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s pioneering role in shaping Telugu cinema. The great showman’s grandson and actor Ranbir Kapoor and film director Rahul Rawail delved into the legacy of Raj Kapoor, exploring his path breaking work in Indian cinema and his ability to intertwine art with social impact. I was fortunate to participate in an engrossing discussion with the renowned playback artists Anuradha Paudwal and Sonu Nigam and the legendary singer Shahid Rafi to reflect upon Rafi’s timeless contribution to Indian music. The charismatic Sharmila Tagore, actor Arjun Chakraborty and film scholar N Manu Chakravarthy reflected on Tapan Sinha’s masterful storytelling and his influence on Bengali and Indian cinema.
The IFFI team had also beautifully curated a special lineup of digitally restored films to commemorate the artistic excellence of these icons. The selected titles included Devadasu (Akkineni Nageswara Rao), Awaara (Raj Kapoor), Hum Dono (Mohammed Rafi’s music), and Harmonium (Tapan Sinha). These screenings offered both nostalgia and discovery, celebrating their timeless appeal across generations. A musical journey titled the Caravan of Songs showcased 150 songs by Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi, along with 75 pieces from ANR and Tapan Sinha’s works. This musical homage highlighted their unmatched contributions to Indian cinema’s rich soundscape.
An impressive exhibition, titled ‘Safarnama’, at the festival displayed rare photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts chronicling the lives and careers of the four legends. NFDC and the Central Bureau of Communication did a good work to bring to the public an intimate portrayal of their personal and professional milestones, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Thematic activities such as quizzes, digital showcases, and interactive displays were also organised in the Entertainment Arena.
IFFI also produced bilingual brochures highlighting their achievements. It’s a good effort towards making their legacies reach audiences worldwide, through the delegates coming from all over the world.
A striking sand art illustration by Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik at Miramar Beach symbolised the cultural impact of these cinematic greats. The Padma Shri awardee’s captivating sand art mesmerised public at the beach and stood as a homage to the timeless influence of these four icons.
There have been appreciable efforts to honour their remarkable contributions in a grand, yet deeply meaningful manner, paying homage to their enduring impact with elegance and reverence. This celebration not only commemorates their achievements but also reinforces the enduring spirit of Indian cinema that they helped shape. IFFI ensured that the legacies of these cinematic icons continue to illuminate the path for future storytellers and visionaries.
(Subhash Ghai is an Indian Filmmaker and Producer)
