West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Extends Birthday Wishes to Amitabh Bachchan

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on his 83rd birthday, celebrating their four-decade-long association and his pivotal role in elevating the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF). In a warm message shared on X, Banerjee described Bachchan as a "living legend" whose cinematic brilliance and personal warmth have enriched Indian culture. The Trinamool Congress leader highlighted their bond since 1984, when she first met the actor during his brief stint as a Congress MP, and praised his enduring commitment to promoting Kolkata’s cinematic heritage through KIFF, a state-backed event he has championed since its inception in 1995.

Banerjee’s tribute noted Bachchan’s contributions to KIFF, where he serves as the festival’s brand ambassador, drawing global filmmakers and audiences to showcase diverse cinema. “Your artistry and dedication to KIFF have made Kolkata a vibrant hub for film lovers,” she wrote, referencing his presence at inaugural ceremonies and his advocacy for restoring classics through his Film Heritage Foundation.

Bachchan, born October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, has been a frequent visitor to Kolkata, attending KIFF’s 30th edition in 2024 to launch screenings of restored prints like Pratidwandi and Pather Panchali. His involvement has boosted the festival’s stature, with over 150 films screened annually across genres, fostering cultural exchange in a city revered for its cinematic legacy under Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak.

The chief minister’s message also acknowledged Bachchan’s unparalleled career, spanning over 200 films, from the fiery Vijay of Zanjeer (1973) and Deewaar (1975) to introspective roles in Piku (2015) and Kalki 2898 AD (2024). His recent regional forays, including the Tamil actioner Vettaiyan alongside Rajinikanth, resonate in Bengal, where his Anand (1971) dialogues remain cultural touchstones. Fans flooded social media with tributes, echoing Banerjee’s sentiments, with hashtags like #HappyBirthdayAmitabh trending. Kolkata’s film fraternity, including Moon Moon Sen, lauded his accessibility, recalling his 2023 KIFF masterclass with Shah Rukh Khan that drew 5,000 attendees.

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This gesture underscores Banerjee’s knack for blending politics with cultural diplomacy, leveraging Bachchan’s star power to spotlight Bengal’s artistic identity. As KIFF gears up for its November 2025 edition, Bachchan’s involvement is expected to draw bigger crowds, reinforcing Kolkata’s bid to rival global film festivals like Cannes. Meanwhile, Bachchan responded on his blog, expressing gratitude: “Mamata ji’s words humble me; Kolkata’s love is my heartbeat.” The exchange reflects a shared commitment to cinema as a unifying force amid India’s diverse tapestry.

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