Deepika Padukone has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. She has replaced filmmaker Kiran Rao.
According to a report in a Mumbai-based newspaper, Kiran stepped down from the role to focus on a movie project. Deepika called her appointment a huge responsibility:
“It’s 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,” she told the daily.
Kiran also congratulated her. “I am delighted to welcome one of India’s most loved film stars, Deepika Padukone as the new chairperson,” she said.
MAMI festival director and film critic Anupama Chopra shared the news on Twitter.
“To new beginnings! Thank you, Kiran for your faith and generosity and hard work.
Excited to learn from and work with our new chairperson, the amazing Deepika Padukone,” she wrote in her tweet.
The festival’s creative director Smriti Kiran also welcomed Deepika on board.
“Thank you for leading the way #Kiran! And a very warm welcome to #MAMI’s new Chairperson, the incredible @deepikapadukone!
Excited and happy to work with you to keep building the Academy! #NewBeginnings #JioMAMIwithStar @MumbaiFilmFest,” she wrote in her tweet.
On the work front, the Padmaavat actress is working on Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak.
