IFFI 2017: Akshay Kumar joins Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif for closing ceremony

Much like its grand opening ceremony that was held on November 20, the closing ceremony of the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) promises to be a star-studded affair today. While Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra had already kept their date diary free to grace the occasion, a new name has been added to the list. mid-day has it that Akshay Kumar will be present at the closing ceremony as the guest of honour.

Akshay Kumar

A source reveals, "The festival officials had told us that the details of Akshay Kumar's presence will be shared closer to the ceremony itself. We've heard that something special has been planned." With Kumar having revealed the second poster of his upcoming film Padman yesterday, buzz suggests that the actor will address the issue of menstrual hygiene at the event.

Amitabh Bachchan

Confirming his presence, Kumar says, "IFFI 2017 has truly left a mark and presented cinema lovers with the best in national and international cinema. I look forward to attending the closing and bidding farewell to our guests from around the world."

Salman Khan

As the curtain comes down on the festival that has seen a new lease of life this year under the watchful gaze of I&B Minister Smriti Irani - not to mention, the controversy it has sparked over the unceremonious dropping of films from the line-up - it will be marked with performances by Khan, Kaif and Malhotra. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the event, while Canadian director Atom Egoyan will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Huma Qureshi, Pooja Hedge and Bhumi Pednekar will add to the Bollywood quotient of the evening.

Katrina Kaif

Sushant Singh Rajput