It was a nostalgic moment for Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee when he opened Indian Panorama section of the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) as he recalled how he started his journey in Hindi cinema as an usher in the festival during its Delhi era.
Manoj, 45, whose hit film Satya was screened in 1998 IFFI Panorama, said more than the money he used to earn as an usher, it was the films that excited him.
"My journey of becoming a film actor started at IFFI in Delhi. I was more excited about the films which were screened at the festival than the money I got for my job. I would often sneak into a theatre and watch some of the great films," said the Tevar star, who has been a part of IFFI earlier too.
"I personally feel honoured that I am given the privilege to sit in the front row with filmmakers like Paresh Mokashi and Shabnam, whom I have known for more than 15 years."
"I understand how difficult it is in the time of commercialisation to make one film. IFFI has done a great job in promoting filmmakers in feature and non-feature sections. Let's all celebrate festival of films," he said.
Festival director Shankar Mohan termed Indian Panorama as the main section of the event.
The director recalled that Indian Panorama, in the past, has produced some of the finest filmmakers.
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