IFFI 2014: Yes, I worked as an usher at IFFI to watch great films, wasn't interested in money, says Manoj Bajpayee

Panaji: Actor Manoj Bajpayee may have been invited as the chief guest to open Indian Panorama at IFFI this year, but he just can't forget the time when he worked as an usher for the prestigious film festival in Delhi. While addressing the gathering at Kala Academy, one of the venues of IFFI 2014, Manoj spoke about the key reason that motivated him to take up the job of an attendant.

"My journey to become an actor started as an usher at IFFI in Delhi. It was the excitement to sneak into a theatre and watch interesting and great films that made me work as an usher. It wasn't at all about the money I was paid," he said.

"I feel humbled, honoured for being given the privilege to sit in the front row with filmmakers like Paresh Mokashi and Shabnam (her film opened the non-fiction section). I have known Shabnam since the time I was looking for work. Make films especially in the time of commercialisation is very difficult. IFFI has done a great job in promoting filmmakers in both feature and non-feature section," he added.

The jury of Indian Panorama had selected about 26 films after they viewed 181 feature films and 15 after watching 100 non-feature films.

Jury members of Non-feature film including Abhiram Bhadkamkar, Babu Kambrath, Oinam Doren, R Buvana, Shila Datta and Vivek Mohan were felicitated at the opening ceremony of Indian Panorama section.

The jury of Feature Films included A.K. Bir (Chairman), SatarupaSanyal, VinodGanatra, Ganga RajuGunnam, UtpalBorpujari, OinamGautam Singh, GautamanBhaskaran and Sameer Hanchate.