‘Haider’ Becomes India’s First Film To Win ‘People’s Choice Award’ At Rome Film Festival

Shahid Kapoor’s much applauded Vishal Bhardwaj's directed movie HAIDER has become India’s first Film to win the prestigious People's Choice award in the Mondo Genere (World genre) category at the Rome Film Festival. 

Out of the seven films like A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT (US), QUANDO EU ERA VIVO/ WHEN I WAS ALIVE (Brazil) and LA PROCHAINE FOIS JE VISERAI LE COEUR/ NEXT TIME I'LL AIM FOR THE HEART (France), which featured under the genre, HAIDER was the only Asian film selected across the globe.

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Elated at the award, Shahid Kapoor tweeted, "It’s a moment of immense pride that the movie has got this award at the festival.” He added, “HAIDER is the First Indian film to win the main category of People’s Choice Award at Rome film festival!” 

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj briefing media said, “It is really amazing that the movie was watched by over 90% Italians, when the truth is Indian films are usually ignored by the foreign audience.” He added, “The movie captivated the audience as few who had visited Kashmir, were bowled over by the authentic presentation of the trial and tribulations of Kashmirs depicted in the movie.” 

"The award proves that if you put your heart in a movie, it can move people beyond borders,” quipped Vishal Bhardwaj.

He added, “HAIDER focuses on the vital issue of Kashmir and I wished to take the issue at world level. Thank god with this award I have been able to reach a small section and hope to reach worldwide.” 

Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who played Shahid’s love interest in the movie, also shared the good news with her fans. She tweeted, “We WON! #Haider – the 1st Indian film to win the main category of people’s choice award at Rome film festival! So humbled, grateful and proud!”

it seem this is the first award of the season for HAIDER and the list is sure to be long when the film awards races begin next year from January 2015.

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