Barely two days to go for the prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Summit, being held in Hyderabad, and the Telugu Film industry is yet to be invited. “It’s is not a State Government organised event, as everything is being handled by the Central Government. I am in touch with State Government officials for a few event passes for our fraternity. They may allow at least two artists to participate at the summit, and we have proposed Prabhas name for the same,” says Rammohan Rao, Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, as well as of the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce.
There are reports that Bollywood actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Aditi Rao Hydari will be attending the summit. When asked why Tollywood stands ignored, Rao clarifies, “It is a Central Government event, and naturally internationally known artists like Shah Rukh Khan may have been invited to it.”
Rammohan says they have pitched Prabhas’ name as one of the invitees, because of his gro-wing popularity post Baahubali. Producer C. Kalyan is more forthright. He feels the Central Government does not want Tollywood to participate. He adds, “Forget about Tollywood, I am the chairman of Film Federation of India and I didn’t have any kind of communication from the organisers, or get any invite for the summit.”
Tollywood’s top producer, Suresh Babu confirmed that he, too, did not get an invite, but may attend the summit on behalf of Hyderabad Angels, a Business Investors hub. We hear Ram Charan may attend the summit — his name appears on the list put up on the website. But the actor is yet to confirm his participation. “He has been invited for being one of the youngest producer in Tollywood,” said a source. Ram Charan will be talking about the future of cinema from the business perspective, and not as part of just Tollywood.
Shahrukh Khan
Suspense over SRK
Though there have been reports of Shah Rukh Khan being invited, there’s no confirmation on whether SRK will give a talk or be part of a panel discussion where Ivanka will be present.
Last heard, Shah Rukh may either be a special guest at the 101 table of Falaknuma Palace, the dinner being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Or, he may be performing at an event organised as part of the cultural entertainment for Ivanka. Ironically, the organisers are yet to get a confirmation from Shah Rukh Khan.
