Prestigious Award: Raveena Honors Filmmaker
Image Credit: The Free Press Journal
In a heartwarming display of appreciation and support, Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon bestowed the esteemed Kashish Rainbow Warrior Award upon renowned filmmaker Onir at the 14th Kashish International Queer Film Festival’s opening ceremony. The star-studded event, held in Mumbai, was a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of cinema.
Onir’s latest film, “Pine Cone,” premiered as the festival’s opening film, captivating the audience with its poignant storytelling and powerful exploration of queer relationships. The film fearlessly pushes societal boundaries, shedding light on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
Receiving the Kashish Rainbow Award during Pride Month holds profound significance for Onir, given the ongoing discourse surrounding same-sex marriage. Expressing his gratitude, Onir stated, “This award is incredibly special, not only because it is Pride Month but also because it’s Kashish, and it’s special that this award of love happens in my city… Mumbai. I thank Kashish Film Festival and Sridhar for this award. I am humbled.”
Onir also expressed his deep appreciation for Raveena Tandon, his unwavering friend and supporter of 23 years. He shared, “I am happy to receive this award from my friend Raveena, who is a lifelong ally. And I am happy that in the audience today is my friend, my biggest support system, my Nikhil, my business partner Sanjay Suri.”
In a poignant statement, Onir dedicated the award to those across the world who continue to face criminalization, violence, and humiliation due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. He emphasized the collective determination to overcome these challenges and conveyed a message of solidarity and hope.
While several Bollywood personalities attended the festival’s opening event, actress Manisha Koirala reportedly did not make an appearance as expected.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Free Press Journal
