WITH 100 ENTRIES IN THE FIRST ATTEMPT, AIFF SCRIPTS HISTORY

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

A new chapter was added to the history of Abohar with the city hosting its first-ever International Film Festival.

The festival (AIFF) was organized by Kohli Motion Pictures in collaboration with the Natrang Theatre Society. Renowned actor-director Ashish Nehra and senior theatre artist Bhupinder Utreja were the chief guests.

The event, held at Teachers’ Home, was conducted by Nitin Kohli (Festival Director) and Shivam Kohli (Film Director).

The organizers believe that this initiative will transform Abohar into an emerging hub for the film industry, thereby giving a new direction to the city’s cultural and tourism identity. The film “Godji- Sermonizer of Gita”, produced under the banner of Om Shanti Productions, received the award for Best Experimental Feature Film. Produced by Prabha Mishra and written and directed by B.K. Pumposh Mishra, the film saw the director personally travel from Mount Abu to Abohar to accept the award. Sisters from the local Brahma Kumaris center were also present on the occasion. This film has already won 16 awards.

On the occasion, Raj Sadosh, President of the Lekhak Parishad, recalled a meeting with world-famous playwright Pali Bhupinder at the residence of late Prof. Gaurav Vij, recipient of the Best Actor Award from Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademy. Pali had remarked that Abohar holds a prominent place among the five cities in Punjab that are instrumental in keeping theatre alive in the state. Sadosh specially congratulated Sanjeev Kumar’s team for the excellent renovation of the Teachers’ Home.

The award-winning films include Grehan (The Eclipse), When I am Hema Malini, What’s is Life, The Lone Sentinels of the Nilgiri Forest, Moki..Towards Literacy, Pahadon Ki Goonj, Mukhawa, Searching Saraswati, Blank Trophy, Staycation, and The Yogi- Chronicle Art & Culture of Nath Yogi and Delusion.

Ashish Nehra praised the initiative, noting that after making their mark in theatre, there is now strong potential for artists from Abohar to earn acclaim in films as well.