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UK audiences and fans of Ranveer Singh witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as they welcomed the Bollywood superstar as he descended on City Park, Bradford on Sunday 20th November, presented by Yash Raj Films in association with Bradford City of Film and National Media Museum. Ahead of his next blockbuster release, Yash Raj Films’ Befikre directed by Aditya Chopra, the golden boy of Bollywood alongside his Befikre leading lady, Vaani Kapoor, took centre stage in City Park for a Befikre extravaganza to an audience of thousands.
The event in Bradford – the world’s first UNESCO City of Film – was hosted by comedian Tez Ilyas and featured live performances by international singing sensation and former Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestant, Harshi Mad; British music star Arjun; and urban Punjabi singer Tasha Tah, before the Bollywood glitterati graced the stage to introduce their upcoming romantic comedy, Befikre. In keeping with the film’s theme that celebrates living and loving carefree, Ranveer and Vaani danced onstage and mingled with the crowds before unveiling a sculpture replicating one of their iconic poses in the film. Created by a Yorkshire-based sculpturist, the environmentally-friendly, natural oak wood statue will stay on in the city as an ode to the film and as a lasting symbol of love. Also joining them were Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and David Wilson, Director, Bradford UNESCO City of Film.
Prior to the appearance in City Park, Ranveer Singh took part in a Q&A at National Media Museum, following a screening of his debut film, Band Baaja Baaraat. The full-house audience was enthralled as the superstar invited them onstage individually for selfie moments with their favorite star post the Q&A interaction.
Ranveer Singh said,
“I was told it has been a while since anyone had come to Bradford and usually things happens down south. It is a good move to come here because there are so many people who are interested in Hindi films who are based here. Few things give me more joy than to meet people who are excited about Hindi films. It gives me an opportunity to fulfill what I believe is my calling. Just to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Vaani Kapoor said,
“I love Bradford – the people and the love they’ve shown us. It’s been so much fun and it’s been great to come here. I need to master the accent!” Historically London has always been the hub for talent visits but Bradford and West Yorkshire is a very important region for our films as a vast number of people from the Indian subcontinent live here, as well as being the UNESCO City of Film, so, together with Bradford Council and National Media Museum, we decided to bring the team of Befikre and just say, Thank You for your love and support!”
David Wilson, Director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film said,
“Having Ranveer Singh in Bradford to promote his new film Befikre was truly remarkable. So many people turned out to the event in City Park and really enjoyed the spectacle. Both Ranveer and Vaani were also touched by the response from fans and we really hope to do more events like this in the future to add to Bradford’s great legacy of celebrating world cinema at its best.”
