Gujarat to Host Filmfare Awards for The Second Consecutive Year
After the grand success of the 69th Filmfare Awards, Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited (TCGL) has once again partnered with Worldwide Media Pvt Ltd (The Times Group Company) to host the 70th Filmfare Awards in the state. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Shri Prabhav Joshi, Commissioner & Managing Director, TCGL, and Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV & Digital Network, in the presence of dignitaries. Hosting this esteemed event for the second consecutive year will further strengthen Gujarat’s positioning as a thriving cultural and cinematic destination. This continued momentum aligns with the state’s efforts under the dynamic Cinematic Tourism Policy launched in September 2022, which aims to establish Gujarat as a preferred hub for film and cultural events.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel; Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Government of Gujarat; Shri Mulubhai Bera, Chief Secretary, Shri Pankaj Joshi; Additional Chief Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri MK Das; Tourism Secretary, Shri Rajendra Kumar; Commissioner & MD, TCGL, Shri Prabhav Joshi; Minister, Shri Bhikhusinh Parmar; Managing Director, The Times Group, Mr. Vineet Jain; Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV & Digital Network , Mr. Rohit Gopakumar; Filmmaker Karan Johar and Actor Vikrant Massey.
The occasion also saw the unveiling of the iconic Filmfare Awards Black Lady, synonymous with cinematic excellence and cultural celebration to the present media. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Prabhav Joshi, Commissioner and Managing Director, TCGL and Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV & Digital Network, in the presence of dignitaries.
The 70th Filmfare Awards will be star-studded, uniting the biggest stars, visionary filmmakers, and industry stalwarts under one roof for an unforgettable night of glamour, artistry, and glory. Beyond honouring cinematic brilliance, the event will spotlight Gujarat’s cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and rapidly growing film infrastructure, cementing its stature as a world-class destination for entertainment and global cinema.
Mr. Vineet Jain, Managing Director of the Times Group, expressed, “Entertainment today stands as one of the most powerful forces of influence. It is shaping culture, driving economies, and strengthening infrastructure. This transformation has been accelerated by the vision of our policymakers and the unwavering support of governments. With the 70th edition of Filmfare Awards, we at The Times Group will be setting a new benchmark for how entertainment and tourism can come together to create experiences that resonate far beyond the stage. We are deeply grateful to the Chief Minister, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Tourism for their vision and support in this endeavour.”
Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV & Digital Network, added, “Gujarat has always celebrated life through its colour, craft, culture, and heritage. With the 70th Filmfare Awards, we are proud to add cinema as the fifth element of this vibrant identity. This partnership is more than an awards night; it is Bollywood’s dazzle meeting Gujarat’s garba, Filmfare’s passion meeting Gujarat’s garvi atma. Together, we are creating memories that will shine as brightly as the dreams of Indian cinema.“
Filmmaker Karan Johar commented, “It feels wonderful to be back in Gujarat, like that rare sequel people actually wait for. The film industry is in such an exciting phase today, where stories cut across boundaries and cinema has truly become our shared language of emotion. For over seven decades, Filmfare Awards have stood as the most distinguished honour in our industry, a dream, a milestone, and a symbol of artistic excellence. I’m delighted that the 70th Filmfare Awards are returning to Gujarat, and I’m certain this edition will be remembered as a milestone celebration.“
Actor Vikrant Massey added, “It’s an honour to be in Gujarat for this special occasion with Filmfare Awards. What excites me most today is how inclusive our industry has become, where fresh voices, new faces, and powerful stories are celebrated like never before. Filmfare has always been more than just an award; it is a symbol of encouragement and a reminder of the responsibility we carry as storytellers. I believe this partnership with the Government of Gujarat will only strengthen our ecosystem, opening doors to new stories and new storytellers.”
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, said in his speech, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the cinema industry has become more compliant, progressive, and future-ready. Gujarat, with its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, is the perfect canvas for storytelling, and I wholeheartedly welcome Filmfare to explore and showcase it. I thank Filmfare for taking this step and partnering with us in this remarkable journey.”
Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Government of Gujarat; Shri Mulubhai Bera, added on, “The state of Gujarat has consistently worked to create a film-friendly environment that not only supports filmmakers but also showcases the unique spirit of Gujarat to audiences across the world. This partnership with Filmfare is a significant step forward in promoting Gujarat as a preferred destination for cinema and cultural tourism. By bringing together the creative excellence of Filmfare with the state’s vision for growth in film and tourism, we are confident that this collaboration will open new avenues of opportunities, attract more productions, and highlight the beauty, talent, and dynamism of Gujarat on a national as well as global stage.”
Tourism Secretary, Shri Rajendra Kumar, said in his speech, “It is my privilege to welcome you all to this landmark ceremony as we bring the Black Lady back to Gujarat for the second year in a row. With over 200 film projects in 2024, including international and regional cinema, Gujarat continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for filmmaking. Our state offers a unique blend of heritage, iconic destinations, immersive experiences, world-class infrastructure, and unwavering support for talent. This MoU marks a new milestone in our journey to make Gujarat a global hub for cinema, and I warmly invite the film fraternity to explore, collaborate, and celebrate with us. After all, life itself is a celebration.”
Also Read: Winners of the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism: Full list out
