Date: October 10, 2023 Mumbai, India – On the grand opening gala night of Asia’s largest film tourism event, the 10th International Indian Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC), three distinguished personalities were honored for their significant contributions to global tourism through cinema.
The esteemed filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala was recognized for his outstanding work in promoting tourism worldwide through his cinema. The award was received by his wife, Warda Khan Nadiadwala, on his behalf. Harshad Bhagwat, Promoter of IIFTC Awards, shared, “Sajid Nadiadwala has beautifully showcased numerous locations through his films, significantly contributing to film tourism. His work in films like ‘Housefull,’ ‘Heyy Babyy,’ ‘Anjaana Anjaani,’ ‘Kick,’ ‘Baaghi,’ ‘Judwaa 2,’ and ‘Tamasha’ has left a remarkable impact on the tourism of these locations, making him the deserving recipient of this award.” Warda, receiving the award on her husband’s behalf, mentioned, “Sajid is truly passionate about his craft, and he is thrilled to be honored for his contribution to global tourism through cinema. IIFTC’s initiative to bring countries together on one platform is commendable.”
Kabir Bedi and Prosenjit Chatterjee were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to global tourism through cinema. Kabir Bedi expressed, “As an actor, I’ve been privileged to portray roles that have allowed me to showcase the incredible diversity, culture, and beauty of many countries. Through the lens of the camera, we’ve transported audiences to the heart of rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cities. I believe in the magic of storytelling to ignite the traveler’s spirit, and I hope that our films continue to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to explore the globe. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a celebration of the enchanting synergy between cinema and tourism, where the silver screen becomes a passport to unforgettable journeys.” Prosenjit Chatterjee, who looked dapper in Indian attire, humbly said, “I’m deeply honored by the recognition of cinema’s role in promoting global tourism. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of portraying characters that showcase the beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of many geographies. As actors, we have the power to transport audiences to places they’ve never been, to immerse them in the magic of our landscapes. I believe in the transformative power of storytelling to awaken the wanderlust in people’s hearts.”
The event also included awards for Cinematic Excellence presented to the makers of films in various regional languages, including Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu. Additionally, an award was presented for the OTT series ‘Shoorveer’ by Juggernaut Productions.
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The opening night marked the commencement of the 3-day mega film tourism event, featuring over 50 international companies from more than 20 countries that have come to Bollywood, Mumbai, to engage with Indian filmmakers. Several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, USA, Spain, Lithuania, Kenya, Canada, France, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Serbia, UK, Australia, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Netherlands, and Ukraine, among others, have actively participated in the event, reflecting the global reach and importance of IIFTC.