Mumbai, Nov 28: The curtains came down tonight on the Fifth Mami International Film Festival with honouring of cine star Om Puri and veteran cinematographer V Babasaheb.
Versatile Puri was given the special felicitation award for his significant contribution to Indian cinema for 25 years, while 87-year old cinematographer Babasaheb was honoured with Kodak technical excellence award. Bengali film ‘Titli’, directed by ace director Rituparno Ghosh, walked away with the prestigious international film critic award.
Addressing the valedictory session, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said cinema in modern times has emerged as a very powerful medium almost similar to a printed book in the last millennium.

However, referring to Indian film industry, Bhujbal, who holds the crucial home portfolio, cautioned against ‘nexus’ between the industry and underworld.

He said at administrative level government is doing its best to stamp out the menace and sought the film makers and stars cooperation for the same.
Receiving the special award for his pretty successful 25 year innings in filmdom, Puri said he was grateful to good cinema movement which attained him a position in film world and also compelled commercial films to give him role.
“The commercial films gave me butter and jam as the art movies only could give bread,” he said throwing the entire house into peals of laughter.

Bureau Report