By Bindu Suresh Rai www.emirates247.com
Mayhem ensued as Hollywood heartthrob Tom Cruise walked the red carpet during Wednesday evening’s open ceremony for the 8th edition Dubai International Film Festival.
However, it has to be said that even more than Cruise himself, it was the cheers that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, drew when he walked the red carpet that really made the night for many of the excited fans.
Screaming fans who had been waiting for nearly two-hours in the specially erected fan pits waited eagerly for Cruise and the other galaxy of silverscreen stars to make their way for a handshake, picture moment, autograph – anything really – on the celeb-studded night.
Also walking the red carpet last evening were “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” cast and crew members, director Brad Bird, leading lady Paula Patton in a sated, strapless red gown, British comedian/actor Simon Pegg and Bollywood actor, Anil Kapoor, who looked dapper in a YSL tuxedo.
Kapoor wasn’t the only Bollywood name though; because walking the red carpet earlier in the evening was none other than two-time Oscar and Grammy winner, music maestro AR Rahman, who received DIFF’s Lifetime Achievement Award along with perform in a concert on December 9 and Dubai Sports Stadium.
Said Rahman: “I am very excited to be here to receive this award from DIFF and I am very looking forward to performing to such an amazing audience on Friday.”
The musician was escorted shortly in by event organisers Richard and Padma Coram of the Talent Brokers.
Meanwhile, the Arab contingent was out in force with veteran Egyptian actor Gamil Rateb leading the way as the other recipient of DIFF’s lifetime achievement gong, which were later presented by Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The other usual suspects from the Arab world were also present with Yusra, the gorgeous Yasmine Al Masry, Nicole Saba in a stunning blue Roberto Cavalli gown and a regular DIFF favourite, Egypt’s Lebleba.
Speaking on the red carpet, “Slumdog Millionaire star, Kapoor spilled some secrets, saying: “Three hundred per cent I will be launching a Hollywood production house very soon and I will use this platform to promote Asian stars in the West.” More info and photos
