Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad   

Dazzling opening to children’s film fest

- Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Captivating performance: Dancers at the 16th International Children’s Film Festival on Saturday.

HYDERABAD: She sparkled, dazzled and held the audience in a thrall. Flashing her brand bewitching smile, Nandita Das, chairperson of the Children’s Film Society of India, walked straight into the hearts of those who attended Saturday’s inaugural function of the International Children’s Film Festival in the city. Looking half her real age, this accomplished actress remained the cynosure of the star-spangled night not only for her vitality, but also for the event rendered most memorable in all respects.

Deserving special mention were the pulsating cultural performances compered with gusto by three spirited child anchors from city schools. There was a welcome dance by 150 teenagers chosen from about 5,000 children. A dance ballet by the students of Nasr School captivated all. Electrifying was the cultural medley by a Mumbai troupe which included various popular dances such as western waltz, Salsa from Latin America, New York’s Broadway, Spanish Flamenco, and our own ‘Karagattam’ from Tamil Nadu and the Holi celebrations from Rajasthan. Conspicuous by its absence was the hegemonic representations of culture in the name of classical dances.

Children were excited also by the presence of their favourite movie stars Venkatesh, and Ileana. The entry of the latter was greeted with whistles and squeals, even as Ms. Das’ welcome address was on.

The celebrity invitees included actor-director Nagesh Kukunoor, director Vishal Bharadwaj, actress Revathy, and child artiste Darsheel Safary of ‘Tare Zameen Par’ fame.

There were scuffles for the VVIP seats and officials were seen bullying even those who were holding invitations, in the name of making space for the families of IAS officers who arrived in droves.

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