“When we sit inside a dark hall we never ask the caste, creed, colour of the person sitting next to us,” says Amitabh Bachchan at the launch of IFFI 2019 

Speaking at the launch Mr Bachchan said, "I feel deeply humbled and would thank the Government of India for this prestigious award. I’ve always felt that I’m not deserving of such recognition but I humbly accept this with a lot of grace and affection."

On the 50the edition he said, "This is the 50th edition of IFFI and I compliment the Government of India and IFFI for conducting themselves in such a wonderful manner. Each year we find a growth in the number of delegates and the choice of films giving us the opportunity to see the works and creativity from different parts of the world."

Calling cinema a universal medium ‘that is beyond language’ he added, “When we sit inside a dark hall we never ask the caste, creed, colour of the person sitting next to us. We enjoy the same film, laugh at the same jokes and cry at the same emotions.”

He warned that there are "very few mediums left in this fast-paced disintegrating world that can claim such integration." He was hopeful that "we continue to make films that will bring people together."

He called for the disintegration of "this rather odd system of keeping sides due to colours, caste, religion, bringing us together in one community, hold hands together to appreciate the creativity and take a step forward to make this world a peaceful place.”

Bachchan who has a close connection to Goa fondly recalled shooting his first film here. He said, “Coming to Goa has always been like coming home and I’ve had many wonderful opportunities to work in this place and receive the hospitality from the people of Goa during our various stints of shooting.”

While Paa will be the opening film, the other films that are being screened of his are Sholay, Deewar, Black, Piku and Badla.

Also Read: “I will never be able to repay that debt”: Amitabh Bachchan thanks fans at IFFI 2019