Red Sea IFF 2023: From Ranveer Singh to Katrina Kaif to Johnny Depp, stars who graced the festival this year

The Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 is currently taking place at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It started on November 30 and will conclude on December 9. This year, some of the most prominent and popular names that graced the festival with their presence were Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, Karan Johar, among others. Let’s see what these people had to say about their lives and journeys, and upcoming work fronts to a global audience at this year’s edition: **Ranveer Singh**

The electrifying performer spoke exclusively to Firstpost about his love for movies, how he believes in playing different kinds of roles and more. He was honoured at the Red Sea IIFF 2023 for his contribution to cinema. He said, “I am happy that I have found something that I love to do and that I am good at. Acting is my calling. I am very grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to pursue my passion and entertain people. My very first screen idol was Amitabh Bachchan. He is a legend. Since I grew up in the nineties so all the mainstream leading men were my heroes. It started with Amitabh Bachchan, Arnold Schwarzenegger and all the nineties heroes needless to say I was a great admirer of Shah Rukh Khan too.“ **Katrina Kaif**

Kaif too attended the Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 and stunned fans with her appearance. During her interaction, when asked about her prep for every role she says yes to, Kaif said, “My process is a little painful at times and there are days when I’m really hard on myself. But, in my life, I saw a lot of dreams and many of them have come true.” She added, “You have to go home and feel that you have given your 150% and you have left your heart on your studio floor, and it’s a part of your soul.” **Will Smith**

While interacting in the presence of fans and members of the media, the actor spoke about the influence cinema can have on people and how it can influence their hearts and minds. He said, “The power of cinema has grown over the years and I have recognized it as a tool for inspiration and energy. It wasn’t really till the later part of my career when I understood its power to change people’s minds and hearts, that you can depict situations and people and historical circumstances and you can inspire people to learn and to grow.” Johnny Depp

This Hollywood star also marked his presence at this year’s edition will all his swagger and glory, and even shared a moment on the red carpet with Ranveer Singh. While accepting his award for his contribution to cinema, Singh gave an impromptu and spontaneous shoutout to the movie star and said, “I’m going off-script for a moment here. Wow, one of my screen idols is in the house. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Johnny Depp. My good sir, I have followed your work since Edward Scissorhands and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. What an honour to be receiving this award in your presence. Thank you for everything you have unknowingly taught me about the craft, sir. Master of Transformation, versatility, is something that I am inspired by you.” **Karan Johar and Guneet Monga**

The filmmaker’s next work is titled Kill, co-produced by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, and directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. The principal cast was present at the Red Sea along with Johar, Monga, and Bhat. In response to an exclusive question by Firstpost on the casting of the film, the director said, “There was an entire audition process that happened for six months because it’s a huge cast. The goons you see in the film are not just doing action, the second half of the film is their story and they had to emote a lot. This entire process took six months since there are about 40-43 people.” **Freida Pinto**

Slumdog Millionaire fame Freida Pinto attended the Red Sea International Film Festival and in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, spoke about coming back to the Red Sea, how cinema is changing and evolving in the last few years, and much more. Alia Bhatt

Actor Alia Bhatt is all set to join the ‘In-Conversation’ sidebar section, alongside Hollywood celebs like Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow, at the third edition of Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. More about the opening night ceremony The Opening Night Ceremony MCs were Raya Abi Rached and Ibrahim Alhajaj, hosted by Jomana-Al Rashid, Chairwoman Red Sea Foundation and Mohammed Al Turki, CEO Red Sea International Film Festival. The Gala also saw the presentation of three honourary awards – to Abdullah Al-Sadhan, presented by Mohammed Al Turki, Diane Kruger, presented by juror Fatih Akin, and Ranveer Singh, presented by Sharon Stone, and a welcome address from festival leadership, and actor Sofia Vergara.