11th Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival inaugurated at MGM University
Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In today’s music scene, technology is extensively used, with music often produced by pressing buttons and operating machines, bringing technical perfection, said veteran Indian composer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Ilaiyaraaja. The 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Rukmini Auditorium of MGM University.
In his acceptance speech, Ilaiyaraaja reflected on his lifelong dedication to music with humility. He revealed that he had completed the background score for his 1,545th film earlier that day, adding that his continued motivation stems from a belief that he is still learning music. Ilaiyaraaja was felicitated by AIFF chairman Nandkishor Kagliwal and MGM University chancellor Ankushrao Kadam. The event was attended by vice-chancellor Vilas Sapkal, registrar Ashish Gadekar, Maharashtra government secretary for cultural affairs Kiran Kulkarni, district collector Deelip Swami, jury chairman Resul Pookutty, C.S. Venkiteswaran, and members of the AIFF organising committee. The presidential address was delivered by Ankushrao Kadam, while Resul Pookutty shared his views, and the festival proposal was presented by Sunil Sukthankar. Actress Bhagyashree Borase was honoured for her contributions to South Indian cinema. The event also saw the presence of festival director Sunil Sukthankar, executive director Chandrakant Kulkarni, coordinator Nilesh Raut, Sachin Mule, and other dignitaries.
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Ilaiyaraaja champions tradition
Ilaiyaraaja stressed the value of traditional musical craftsmanship, warning that overreliance on technology could hinder younger musicians’ understanding of live instruments. He continues to write manuscripts by hand and relies on live musicians for authentic emotional depth.
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Shadow of Ajit Pawar’s demise
The inauguration was marked by the recent accidental death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Attendees paid tribute at the start, with no other floral honours given. Despite over 100 guests from India and abroad, the festival proceeded as scheduled.
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Festival kicks off with opening film
The programme concluded with the screening of Sirât, directed by Óliver Laxe, at INOX Prozone, officially beginning the festival’s screenings and events.