The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened today in Panaji, Goa, with Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna inaugurating the Waves Film Market. The festival runs from November 20–28, showcasing some of the finest films from across the globe.
Four Anupam Kher Films Selected
Anupam Kher expressed immense joy as four of his films—each in a different category—have been selected for screening at IFFI 2025. The films include:
- “Tanvi the Great” – Indian Panorama
- “The Bengal Files” – International Section
- “1942: A Love Story” – Special Screening
- “Kalari” – Canadian film by Indo-Canadian director Isha Marjara
“Kalari” will also host a masterclass at the festival.
Calling the rare achievement an “unofficial retrospective,” Kher said, “I don’t think any actor has had four films selected in different sections at a single festival in the history of cinema. I say this with love and humility.”
‘Giving Up Is Not a Choice’: Kher’s Masterclass
The actor, who has been attending festivals since 1984—when Saaransh was first screened—said he is thrilled with Goa’s growing identity as a global cinema hub.
Kher will conduct a masterclass titled “Giving Up Is Not a Choice.” He shared that over the years he has shaped his sessions to inspire aspiring artists, writers, and directors.
“People assume those with a name are always successful. But in 41 years, my life has seen many ups and downs. I’ve never given up, and that’s what I want young filmmakers to understand.”
Celebrating Cinema
Earlier on social media, Kher wrote that being able to showcase such diverse work—productions from home banners, collaborations with filmmakers like Vivek Agnihotri, and international cinema—feels special after a career spanning 41 years and 549 films.
“Very few actors get an opportunity like this at such a prestigious festival. See you all in Goa! Let’s celebrate the spirit of cinema.”