New Delhi, The International Film Festival of India will mark the centenary of four icons of Indian cinema Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao , and Mohammed Rafi at its upcoming 55th edition, the organisers said on Monday. The gala, which will be held in Goa, will also present restored versions of their timeless classics during its nine-day run. The opening ceremony of IFFI, set to take place on November 20, will pay tribute to these legends, accompanied by an audiovisual presentation bringing their cinematic journeys to life.
"The 55th IFFI's centenary celebrations are an homage to the enduring influence of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Mohammed Rafi on Indian cinema. "By bringing together art, history, and interactive experiences, IFFI seeks to inspire future generations through the legacies of these luminaries. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Indian cinema and honor the legends who continue to inspire audiences and creators worldwide," a press release stated.
At the festival, ANR will be feted on November 22, Kapoor on November 24, Rafi on November 26, and Sinha on November 27. A restored version of the 1953 movie "Devadasu", that cemented Telugu film icon ANR's place in the annals of cinematic history, will be screened at the gala. His birth centenary was celebrated on September 20.
Sinha, one of the most prominent Bengali cinema directors in the 1970s and 1980s forming a quartet with Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen, wi.
