The 56th International Film Festival of India concluded in spectacular fashion in Panjim, Goa, with Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui praising the event's longstanding credibility and prestigious stature in the film industry.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Heartfelt Praise for IFFI
While interacting with media representatives during the IFFI 2025 events, the acclaimed Bollywood performer expressed his admiration for the government-supported film festival. Nawazuddin Siddiqui emphasized the crucial role such festivals play in promoting Indian cinema on both national and international platforms.
The talented actor specifically highlighted how IFFI has successfully maintained its credibility over numerous years, establishing itself as a trusted platform for filmmakers and artists alike. He expressed hope that local and regional films would continue receiving increased promotion through such prestigious events, acknowledging the government's ongoing efforts in this direction.
Rajinikanth's Emotional Lifetime Achievement Moment
The closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India witnessed an emotionally charged moment when cinema icon Rajinikanth received a lifetime achievement award. This special recognition marked five decades of the superstar's extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema.
As the 74-year-old acting legend approached the stage to accept his honor, the entire audience rose in a heartfelt standing ovation. In his acceptance speech, Rajinikanth reflected on his remarkable journey, expressing that his fifty years in the film industry felt surprisingly brief.
The veteran actor described this milestone as deeply emotional and meaningful, sharing that if given multiple lifetimes, he would choose to be reborn as an actor named Rajinikanth in every one of them. His touching words resonated throughout the venue, creating an unforgettable moment for all attendees.
Star-Studded Finale and Future Projects
The grand finale of IFFI 2025 saw the presence of numerous distinguished personalities from the film industry and government. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant shared the stage with megastar Rajinikanth, Bollywood sensation Ranveer Singh, and Kantara's celebrated actor-director Rishab Shetty.
Regarding Nawazuddin Siddiqui's recent work, the actor was last seen in the film 'Thamma', where he shared screen space with Ayushmann Khurrana. His upcoming project 'Raat Akeli Hai' is scheduled for release on Netflix on December 19, following its successful premiere at IFFI 2025.
The 56th International Film Festival of India successfully concluded on Friday, leaving behind memories of cinematic excellence and heartfelt celebrations of Indian film talent that will be cherished until next year's edition.
