Toronto Indians go ‘Hadippa’ over Rani

TORONTO: Indian moviegoers in Canada's commercial capital went "Hadippa" over Rani Mukherjee as the curtains went up on Bollywood star's latest movie at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) here.

They turned out in full strength and filled up the cavernous Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto auditorium to the rafters for the world premiere here on Sunday.

The red carpet was flanked by shrieking and howling Rani fans, who thrust their autograph books at Rani and posed for photographs with the actress even as a posse of Bhangra dancers in colorful attire swayed to drum beats.

"I really love the audience in Toronto. It's so involved," Rani said.

"I'm nervous, I'm excited and I'm extremely honored to be here. I have a deep emotional connect with my fans. They have stood by me through my low phase. I owe a lot to them. I hope they enjoy Dil Bole Hadippa as much as we enjoyed making it," said the 31-year-old actress, who is returning to the big screen after a year.

'Dil Bole Hadippa' is first full-on Bollywood masala film to have its world premiere in North America's top cinema events.

Cameron Bailey, co-director, Toronto International Film Festival, explained why he chose 'Dil Bole Hadippa' for a Gala presentation here, "We love the color, the energy, the music and the spirit of Bollywood and Dil Bole Hadippa captures all that to perfection.

-PTI