Rekha and Vidya at Whistling Woods celebrate Cinema

Mumbai celebrated films, music, fashion and more at Whistling Woods International’s Celebrate Cinema. Industry legends and celebrities like Rekha, Vidya Balan, Mohit Chauhan, Subhash Ghai, Govind Nihalani, Hansal Mehta graced the event.

Vidya Balan, Rekha, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Subhash Ghai, Mohit Chauhan, Shibani Kashyap at Whistling Woods celebrate Cinema in Filmcity, Mumbai on 17th May 2014. Mumbai, May 16, 2014 – The mood was festive and atmosphere electric at Whistling Woods International today. It was the first day of Celebrate Cinema, a two-day extravaganza that has been aimed to explore and exploit the growth of Indian cinema. Grander than its last two seasons, the festival was inaugurated by the evergreen Rekha and showman Subhash Ghai. Followed by the inauguration was the panel discussion on ‘New Voice in Indian Cinema’ with legendary artists like Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Subhash Ghai, Mohit Chauhan, Toshi & Sharab, Shweta & Shraddha Pandit, Shalmali Kholgade, Shruti Pathak, Tulsi Kumar, Shibani Kashyap, Mohd Imran, and Hemant Mishra. Right after, a bunch of 3000+ students were seen attending a panel discussion on ‘Socially Responsible Filmmaking’ with panelists Govind Nihalani, Hansal Mehta, Umesh Kulkarni, Batul Mukhtiar, Ravi Gupta.

Vidya Balan graced the day-I with her presence and had a one-on-one interaction, sharing her insights with the students on filmmaking. Followed by MTV campus Diaries Film screening + Q&A. The day marked a special tTribute to Balu Mahindra followed by screening of ‘Sadma’. Amongst others were workshops on Screenwriting, Dance, Stop motion filmmaking, VFX, Advertising, Acting for Screen, 3D Stereoscopic filmmaking, Song Picturisation, digital surround film mix, film editing, mobile filmmaking, still photography and Fashion. Hightlights of the day included a special screening of documentary made on 100 years of Indian cinema by Trisha Screwvala from Disney – UTV and a Master Class with Amole Gupte & Hawa Hawaii team. A special treat for cinema enthusiasts, Celebrate Cinema also screened films such as Garam Hawa, Chungking Express, Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi, All that Jazz, Aparajito, Knife in the Water, West Side Story, Jane Bhi Do Yaaron, Ankur.

Alka Yagnik

“We, at Whistling Woods International have always wanted to create an avenue whereby we are able to provide access to the realities of the filmmaking process to the common film lover and enthusiast. Further, we have always wanted that the vast campus & high-tech infrastructure we have built, the uniquely hands-on curriculum and the laudable faculty, guest & visiting faculty body that we have put together is accessible to film lovers & enthusiasts.” – Subhash Ghai, Filmmaker and Educationist

Ms. Meghna Ghai-Puri, President – Whistling Woods International, said “Whistling Woods International is one of the first institutions to commence the centenary celebrations of Indian Cinema. This Festival is completely organized by our Students & Faculty and they are enthusiastic about sharing the opportunities they have with others through ‘Celebrate Cinema’. It is an amazing opportunity for students, film enthusiasts and children to interact with renowned names from the film and entertainment industry through panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, movie screenings and participate in iconic performances.”