India International film festival begins in the picturesque Goa on the 23rd of this month. There was initially a debate as to which film star would be called as the special guest.

Dharmendra, Bollywood actor and husband of yester year dream girl Hema Malini, M P, was considered. From the south, Super Star’s name had also appeared in the fray.

However the mantle finally fell on Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh. In the same function, to light the kuthuvilakku, the names of many actresses were discussed and the committee zeroed in on Priyamani. It has been reported that the Information and Broadcasting ministry had come to know of Priyamani when she bagged the 9th Asian cinefan award in the Best actress category for Paruthiveeran.

When Priya was contacted, she was very elated and said, “It is a great honor to light the Kuthuvilakku at this prestigious function and I accept this on behalf of entire South Indian film industry. I am eagerly waiting for the day when I will be meeting my favorite hero Shah Rukh Khan.”