Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 11, 2017)

While bagging an award for his “incredible body of work” at the Dubai International Film Festival last week is reason enough for Irrfan Khan to celebrate, that actor says this recognition is special for another reason. Talking about being honoured alongside the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart, Khan tells mid- day, “His [Stewart] work isn’t anything short of inspirational for any actor. Thus winning this medal alongside him makes the award more special.”

The 14th edition of the fest celebrated the works of Khan, Steward, Academy Award- winning Australian actor Cate Blanchett, and Egyptian writer Wahid Hamed. Although Khan had stated that he did not get a chance to discuss movies with Blanchett, he says he indulged in a tête-à-tête with Stewart about Indian cinema and its relevance in the world. “It was a pleasure to meet him, and to be co-honoured alongside someone as talented as he is.”

The actor had previously spoken about being delighted to share the stage with Blanchett, whose work in films like Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine (2013) and Todd Haynes’s Carol (2015), apparently inspired him.

Khan’s relationship-drama, The Song Of Scorpions, which has been directed by Anup Singh, was also screened at the fest last Thursday. It also stars Golshifteh Farahani and Waheeda Rehman in pivotal roles.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 8, 2017)

Irrfan Khan who was at an event in Dubai on Wednesday to accept an honorary award for contribution to international cinema, shared the stage with Academy Award-winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett, X-Men actor Patrick Stewart and Egyptian writer Wahid Hamed.

Irrfan who admires Cate for her performances in films like Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Todd Haynes’s Carol and Richard Eyre’s Notes on a Scandal, describes her as an “incredibly talented actress” and admits meeting her and being honoured with her was a “truly a great moment”. “She’s my most favourite actor in the world so this occasion was even more special,” reiterates the actor who is waiting for an opportunity to collaborate with her. “Her work has been incredible, I admire her deeply. We didn’t discuss Bollywood but it was great to meet her and have a conversation with her,” the actor said.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 6, 2017)

Taking her love for cinema a step ahead, Sonam Kapoor is all set to be a part of the 14th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) that kickstarts today. As the brand ambassador of IWC watches, the actor will be one of the presenters of the IWC Filmmaker Award at the fest. Besides giving her the opportunity to view some of the best works of filmmakers from the region, the event will also see the Kapoor girl rubbing shoulders with two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett. The British actor is heading the jury for the sixth edition of the IWC Filmmaker Award.

A self- admitted fan of Blanchett’s works, we hear Kapoor is overjoyed to share the stage with her. A source reveals, “As an actor, she has always been an admirer of Cate’s work. She is looking forward to discussing cinema and fashion, her two greatest passions, with Cate.”

Kapoor, who is heading to Dubai today, will walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony this evening. The award gala, which will be held at Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, is scheduled for December 7 and will give a cash prize of $ 100,000 to one feature film in development to help the winning filmmaker bring his story to the big screen. Others invited at the prestigious event include Turkish star Tuba Büyüküstün and Lebanese-Australian lawyer, model and charity worker Jessica Michelle Kahawaty. Much like Blanchett, this is the Bollywood star’s third appearance at the festival that has steadily gained recognition over the years.

Enthusiastic about the event, Kapoor says, “I look forward to meeting all the beautiful women from all walks of life at the event.” Interestingly, the film festival will also be presenting the DIFF Honorary award to Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan for his contribution to the world of cinema.