Honour Amitabh Bachchan with the Bharat Ratna award, says Mamata Banerjee at Kolkata International Film Festival – Times of India

“Although not officially, but from Bengal, we will raise this demand to honour Amitabh Bacchan with the Bharat Ratna award for his contribution to Indian cinema for such a long time,” she said.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal CM also said that Bengal would continue its fights for humanity and unity in diversity.

“Bengal always fights with courage for humanity, for unity in diversity. This fight will continue. Bengal never bows down, never asks for alms, always holds head high,” she said.

According to the official website, the 28th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival organized by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal is scheduled to be held between 15 – 22 December 2022 in Kolkata.

At the event, Amitabh Bachchan surprised those in attendance by making a strong political statement. After engaging the audience, Mr Bachchan suddenly raised the issue of how questions are still raised on civil liberties and freedom of expression. “Even now, I am sure my colleagues on stage would agree that questions are being raised on civil liberties and freedom of expression,” he said.