Former model and noted film actress Deepika Padukone has been unanimously voted as the new chairperson of MAMI. The actress replaced filmmaker Kiran Rao as the chairperson of the yearly Mumbai Film Festival.
Keeping in mind the factors like notable evolution into a credible actor, her connection with the audience across the globe, especially with youth, and her incredible work to create awareness about mental health in the country contributed towards her selection.
Kiran Rao who stepped down from the positions said, “It has been my privilege and pleasure to work as part of the core team of MAMI, and after four years as Chairperson of the Academy, I am delighted to welcome one of India’s most loved film stars, Deepika Padukone as the new Chairperson. Deepika has been a supporter of the festival and part of our Board of Trustees and is a person whose ethos and work I greatly admire. I am sure that under her leadership the Academy will become stronger and more robust in serving the cinema community. I look forward to supporting her on this journey and wish her all the very best.”
Isha Ambani, Board of Trustees, MAMI is quite excited the board’s decision. She said, “I am thrilled at Deepika’s appointment as Chairperson for Jio MAMI. Her stellar achievements speak for themselves and we’re confident that she will lend her brilliance to the platform to continue taking the festival to newer heights.”
Padukone told Mumbai Mirror, “It is an absolute honour and a huge responsibility, I believe in MAMI’s vision and we are committed to creating a community that cinema lovers and creators of a film passionate nation like ours truly deserve.”
The festival’s director journalist Anupama Chopra said, “I want to thank both these amazing women for putting their might and muscle behind the festival. For the last four years, Kiran has worked with us in the trenches and provided every level of support. We are all delighted that Deepika is now leading the team. I’m an admirer of her work and I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from her.”
The 20th edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star which held in last November made history when enthusiastic film lovers stood in kilometer-long queues to catch the most awaited films of the year and to hear filmmakers like Darren Aronofsky, Sean Baker and Lucrecia Martel in conversation.
The 21st edition of the film festival will be held from October 17-24, 2019.