Shekhar Kapur Appointed Festival Director for International Film Festival of India

Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been named the festival director for the 55th and 56th editions of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Kapur, known for films like 'Mr India' and 'Elizabeth,' considers the appointment an honor and a responsibility. He recently directed the British comedy 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'.

Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, renowned for films such as 'Mr India,' 'Bandit Queen,' and 'Elizabeth,' has been appointed festival director for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Kapur will lead the festival, which is held annually in Goa, for its 55th and 56th editions, according to a notification by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

'With the approval of the Competent Authority, it has been decided to appoint Shri Shekhar Kapur as the Festival Director for the 55th and 56th editions of the International Film Festival of India, Goa,' the notification stated.

Kapur expressed his gratitude, saying the appointment was an honor, a commitment, and a responsibility. 'Thank you for considering me worthy of your trust,' he posted on social media platform X, tagging the ministry.

At 78, Kapur is an influential figure in Indian cinema and one of the earliest Indian directors to make a mark in Hollywood with his film 'Elizabeth' and its sequel, 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age.' In India, he directed acclaimed films such as 'Masoom,' 'Mr India,' and 'Bandit Queen.'

More recently, he directed the British comedy 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'. Kapur also served as the head of the International competition Jury at the 54th IFFI and chaired the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India from 2020 to 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)