Living Legend Gulzar and Heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor Come Together for the 18th Golden Elephant

Living Legend Gulzar and Heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor Come Together for the 18th Golden Elephant

Hyderabad, 14 November, 2013.

The press conference of the largest children's film festival in India, the 18th International Children's Film Festival of India popularly known as The Golden Elephant, brought together two icons from different generations: legendary writer and filmmaker Gulzar Saab and  superstar Ranbir Kapoor.  

The inauguration press conference began with the signature animation video of film festival, the lyrics of the song were written by Gulzar Saab himself and the music has been composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The trailers of “Gopi Gawaaiya Baaja Bajjaiya” from India and “Dolfie Werewolfie” from Germany were showcased. The movies in the international category are sourced primarily from the Cannes Film Festival market.

During his address to the press, Gulzar Saab, who has been associated with the Children's Film Society, India and the Festival, started his film making career with “Kitaab” which was a children’s movie. “I miss the times when we had dedicated shows for children at popular cinemas. We also need more television shows dedicated to children.” He also spoke about working with gifted child actors in movies like Masoom and Kitaab. "Working with Master Raju during Kitaab was a challenge for the other actors. He would listen to the noise of sirens at night and make the same noises on set. He was spontaneous and the other actors had to match his spontaneity," he fondly recalled.

The legendary poet  is dedicated to the cause of entertainment for children. He added, “We request the media to promote the cause of the children’s film festival. We want to take this from city-to-city and reach North East India and make this an annual festival.”

Gulzar Saab said that Ranbir Kapoor is like a child to him because he has known his grandfather and father.

Ranbir Kapoor said that children are the toughest audience to please. "Children as an audience are tough to please and they are the best critics. I have tried to make my maiden production venture Jagga Jassoos kid-friendly . I play an eighteen-year-old in the movie and we have tried to make the detective fun for children. and  spoke about his favourite childhood movies. Ranbir said, “I loved watching Amar Akbar Anthony, Rani Aur Lal Pari and Mr. India. I would not have my meals without watching these movies.”  He added, “My mother was a child actor and she talks about how she was the bread-winner of the family but also that she studied during her breaks." He added, "Education is the most important thing in a child’s life and emphasis must always be laid on it, no matter what.”

"Significant attention was paid to children with special needs" Shravan Kumar, CEO,CFSI, said, "We have two dedicated venues for children with special needs and three movies from India, China, and America which are about differently-abled children." He adde, "We have movies from countries like Slovenia, Jordan, Scotland, Ghana, and countries of South America. It is the first time we are showcasing movies from South America. The Country in Focus is Czech Republic because they host the Zlin Film Festival, the oldest children's film festival in the world,"

He also laid stress on the importance of correctly marketing children's films. "Our film Goopi Gawaiyaa Baagha Bajaiyya opens the Festival and will release next month after travelling across the world. We will ensure that it gets a wide release."