Yash Chopra, considered by many to be one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of Bollywood, has been bestowed with the title ‘Father of Contemporary Indian Cinema’ at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The late director, who sadly passed away in October 2012, is being given this title due to his strong ties with the Australian region and for the support that he gave to the festival during his lifetime. Both Salaam Namaste (2005) and Chak De India (2007), which was produced under Yash Raj Films, were shot there.
Yashji’s wife Pamela Chopra will be accepting the award on his behalf and also had this to say in a statement to the media. “Yashji had a close connection with the IFFM. He was happy to support it as he believed in promoting Indian films in foreign countries.” “I am grateful to the festival and the Victorian government for this honour and happy to travel to Melbourne to collect the same and keep the support and connection alive.”
In addition to this title, the Agora Cinema in Melbourne is being renamed as the Yash Chopra Cinema.
Congratulations to Yashji on this honour whom even after his passing is still touching the hearts of many!
