New Delhi: The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will kick off in Goa on Monday with a star-studded opening ceremony with performances by Shahid Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Shriya Saran and Nushratt Bharucha, among others. Madhuri will be presented with the Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema award at the film festival, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said on Monday. 


Taking to X, Anurag made the announcement and wrote, “An icon across the ages, @MadhuriDixit has graced our screens with unparalleled talent for four incredible decades. From the effervescent Nisha to the captivating Chandramukhi, the majestic Begum Para to the indomitable Rajjo, her versatility knows no bounds.” 


"Today, we are filled with admiration as we present the 'Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema' Award to the talented , charismatic actress who has redefined excellence in cinema, at the 54th International Film Festival of India. A celebration of an extraordinary journey, a tribute to an everlasting legacy," the minister added. 


 




Dixit was bestowed with the Indian Film Personality honour at IFFI last year. 


Madhuri will also perform a medley of her hit songs at the opening ceremony. Talking about her performance Madhuri told Hindustan Times, “Cinema has given me so much, it’s time to give something back in return. What better way to do so than through song and dance which is integral to not just Indian cinema, but Indian culture as well”.   


Over 250 films are set to be showcased across the various sections of the festival, which will be held at Shamaprasad Indoor Stadium, Panaji, Goa. After its opening, the ceremony will be hosted by Aparshakti Khurrana and Karishma Tanna.   


The prestigious festival would be further graced by other dignitaries such as Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Salman Khan, Vidya Balan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anupam Kher, Vicky Kaushal, Siddharth Malhotra, Aditi Rao Hydari, AR Rahman, Amit Trivedi, among others.   


The 54th edition of IFFI will conclude on November 28.