Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Even though the FICCI Frames Conclave is a convention of the business of the entertainment industry on the whole, the major focus of the three-day event was on the Mumbai-based Hindi film industry.
The event that started March 23 did have sessions on the television industry, journalism, animation, radio and advertising, but the thrust was on Bollywood, the world's most prolific cinema industry.
Various sessions had speakers like Kiran Rao, Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Shyam Benegal, Ramesh Sippy, Sudhir Mishra, Jaideep Sahni and Habib Faisal among others.
The topics that had Bollywood as a central theme ranged from ones bringing to light aspects of film marketing, to ways of film funding, business of film making, rise of the debutants in the industry and use of digital cinema.
Along with that many issues plaguing the $2-billion Indian film industry were also highlighted and ways to deal with it discussed.
Most sessions saw full house, but the ones with Bollywood celebrities were a sure shot hit.
"I am here to attend as many sessions as possible, but attending a session on films interests me more, especially because the panellists are celebrities I know and have read about in the past. That is more attracting," said a 23-year-old girl on condition of anonymity.
Yash Chopra, who is the chairman of the FICCI entertainment committee, and Karan Johar, who is the co-chairman, were at the helm of affairs and made their presence felt on all the three days of the event.
"It benefits in every way, attending these session. FICCI is trying to help the entrepreneur industries in every way. Not only one aspect of films but also scripting, co-production, digital, for many problems we use this platform to share our views, share our mutual problems, share our achievements, share our inspirations for a hope of a better future. Around 40 sessions of discussions took place in three days and people who attended it, i'm sure benefitted from it," Chopra said.
The major highlight of the event was the final day when the dais boasted of stalwarts like Australian actor Hugh Jackman, Indian superstars Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan along with Karan.
The closing session of the conclave was a discussion between Hugh and Shah Rukh on Bollywood and Hollywood, which was thoroughly enjoyed and the most awaited.
The seriousness of the three day-event was given a light turn by this session with the amusing antics of the two actors and their interesting and witty discussion on the topic given.
"Thank you FICCI for having us here. It is great to be here in Mumbai. I and my wife (Deborra-Lee Furness) have longed to come to India so we are thrilled to be here. It's a great country. People are incredible. The colours, the sounds, the history, the spirituality, everything that India is made of, inspire me and my wife. I will definitely be coming back," said Jackman, who was presented with an idol of Lord Ganesh by Aishwarya as a token of appreciation.