HERALD: How are preparations for IFFI progressing?
Naik: This year the festival will be memorable, as we are gearing up to host the IFFI along with an accompanying 11-day extravaganza. The curtain raiser will be held on November 20. Today, we had a meeting with the police to sort out the traffic issues. I am holding meetings to sort out issues regarding inauguration and route maps. All route maps and the like are being done. I am holding meetings daily with all sections.
HERALD: Can you give details?
Naik: Sushant Tari has been given the responsibility of décor.
His name was cleared when the steering committee meeting was held under Union minister Prakash Javadekar. The Union minister was supposed to come this week, but now that the portfolios have changed and Arun Jaitley has been given Information and Broadcasting portfolio, the minister concerned will make the announcement about who will inaugurate the festival. He may come anytime. The schedule is also being finalized.
HERALD: What about the venues?
Naik: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium is being geared up and this includes the acoustics. It is getting ready to host 5,000 plus people. Also 50 buses will be used to ferry people. They will start from Campal and then go to the stadium and then return to Campal. Added to this are also five AC buses. The décor tender has already been floated and the itinerary is being drawn up. This time we are getting most of the sponsorship from corporates.
