Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025 Shines with Mohit Suri, Gowariker and Naseeruddin Shah

The Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025, held from November 13 to 20, began in Mumbai with great grandeur and excitement. The spectacular event was hosted by filmmaker and actress Nandita Das. Many acclaimed personalities from India and abroad attended the festival, including Mohit Suri, Naseeruddin Shah, Kiran Rao, and Ashutosh Gowariker.

A Star-Studded Film Festival

The ‘Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025’ dazzled with the radiant presence of Bollywood celebrities. The ambience was filled with glamour, art, and cinematic brilliance. One after another, stars graced the red carpet, making the evening truly memorable.

Actor Prateik Smita Patil appeared in a casual yet stylish look. Wearing a white shirt and denim, he carried a simple but impressive style that audiences absolutely loved. His wife, actress Priya Banerjee, became one of the highlights of the festival. She walked the carpet in a stunning white outfit, exuding elegance and confidence.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, was also present as a special guest. Being a prominent figure in the film industry, his presence added great prestige to this international-level event.

Filmmaker Kiran Rao caught everyone’s attention with her graceful appearance. A powerful creator and the ex-wife of Aamir Khan, she looked elegant and classy in a designer white ensemble. Her simplicity and sophistication left a strong impression on the audience.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was one of the biggest highlights of the event. His presence instantly elevated the stature of the ceremony. Known worldwide for his exceptional craft and impactful personality, seeing him at the festival was nothing short of an honour for cinema lovers.

Director Ashutosh Gowariker also graced the festival. He appeared in a casual white look and was seen interacting warmly with cinema enthusiasts, reflecting his calm and humble nature.

Uma Da Cunha Honoured for Lifetime Contribution

At the festival, renowned film curator Uma Da Cunha was honoured for her lifelong contribution to cinema. On this occasion, director Ashutosh Gowariker delivered an emotional speech on stage. He spoke about how Uma Ji spent six decades working as a film curator, archivist, and a strong bridge between filmmakers and film lovers. He recalled meeting her for the first time during Ketan Mehta’s film ‘Holi’, and how his very first interview was conducted at her Churchgate residence.

Gowariker further shared that during the making of ‘Lagaan’, finding foreign actors 25 years ago was extremely difficult. However, Uma Ji made the impossible possible by finding actors from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.
He praised her humility, saying that she never seeks the limelight and always puts filmmakers and films ahead of herself. “Saying ‘I did this, I did that’ is simply not in her nature,” he added, as he thanked her on behalf of the entire film industry.

‘Saiyyaara’ Wins the Popular Choice Award

Filmmaker Mohit Suri’s film ‘Saiyyaara’ won the Popular Choice Award at the ‘Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025’. The award was accepted by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani and Mohit Suri. As soon as the award was announced, Mohit Suri became emotional. He shared that although he has been part of the industry for 20 years, this is his first trophy. He said, “Everything in this film felt like a first time. Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda appeared on the big screen for the first time, Akshaye became a producer for the first time, and for me too, it was full of first-time experiences.”
Mohit also recalled that his dream of becoming a filmmaker began after watching ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)’ during his childhood.

Aditya Chopra’s Faith and Vision

Mohit Suri expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Aditya Chopra. He said that at a time when the industry was dominated by action and heavy stunts, Aditya trusted a simple love story. “Aditya never said the film must break box-office records. He only focused on the soul of the story and its music. That trust became my biggest strength,” Mohit said.
He also thanked Akshaye Widhani for believing in new talent instead of going for big stars.

‘Saiyyaara’—A Massive Success

Released on 18 July, ‘Saiyyaara’ received love from both audiences and critics. The film’s storytelling, direction, and performances by the debut actors were widely praised. Its soulful music also played a major role in enhancing its emotional depth.
‘Saiyyaara’ has collected ₹579.23 crore, making it one of the biggest and most talked-about films of 2025.

FAQs

Q1: When is the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025 held?

A: The festival was held from 13 to 20 November 2025.

Q2: Where did the festival originate?

A: It was inaugurated in a grand manner in Mumbai.

Q3: Who all attended the festival?

A: It was attended by film lovers, Bollywood actors, and international filmmakers.

Q4: What is the purpose of the festival?

A: Its aim is to provide a platform to international and Indian cinema and to recognize new talented filmmakers.

Q5: What activities were organised during the festival?

A: Film screenings, panel discussions, award presentations, and networking sessions were organised.

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