Goa : The 44th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) got underway on Wednesday with a 
glittering start after Hollywood star Susan Sarandon lit the ceremonial lamp indicating the inauguration of the festival.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by celebrated stars of Indian and world cinema which includes Sarandon herself,, Kamal Hasan, Waheeda Rahman, secretary information and broadcasting Bimal Jhulka, Minister for Information and Publicity (Goa government) Milind Naik, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar and union minister of state for information and broadcasting (ind. charge) Manish Tewari.
Speaking on the occasion Secretary Information and Broadcasting Bimal Jhukla said: “We are promoting India as a filming destination and to encourage foreign film makers to come to India we are setting up a single window clearance system”.
The top official also said that over Rs 600 crore will be invested on the National Film Heritage Mission. Asia contributes to half of the world’s 
film production and half of it comes from India, he also said.
Asha Bhosle, who spoke on the occasion, said that she herself hailed from Goa and expressed her debt to the film industry.I sang my first song when I was 10. I have been singing since then. The film line has given us so much,” the legendary singer said.
Susan Sarandon, who won an Academy award for her role in the film ‘Dead Man Walking’, among several other Oscar award nominations, said that she was looking forward to spending her time in Goa appreciate films and the place.
“India has produced so many films rich in history of cinema. I am looking forward to meeting artists and seeing film,” the actress said.
Source : Lokesh Shastri