Pics by Kalakruti, News Source: TNN
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 1 : Sir Ben Kingsley, the star guest of the International Film Festival of India walked out of the T20 function apparently miffed with the  Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).
 
Kingsley walked the red carpet accompanied by an ESG governing body member and entered the auditorium at Kala Academy. He received an ovation and was seated for a few minutes before leaving. Sources said that Kingsley was made to sit on a chair which sported the name of some other guest. Those who witnessed the incident said a chagrined Kingsley walked out, followed by his wife.

Hollywood veteran Sir Ben Kingsley  seen walking on the Red Carpet along with his wife Daniela Lavender at Kala Academy during the ongoing 40th International Film Festival of India in Panaji on Monday.

Hollywood veteran Sir Ben Kingsley  seen during the press conference at the media centre during the ongoing 40th International Film Festival of India in Panaji on Monday.

Hollywood veteran Sir Ben Kingsley  seen with the Director of Directorate of Film Festivals, S M Khan after the press conference at the media centre during the ongoing 40th International Film Festival of India in Panaji on Monday.

Noted Marathi actress Sonali Kulkarni seen briefing the media about her role in  'Gabhricha Paus' during a press conference at the Media centre on Monday.

Noted Bollywood actress Amrita Rao seen along with the models during the the Fashion Show showcasing the changing styles of the Bollywood actresses over the years during the Awards Ceremony of the T20 of Indian Cinema at the Kala Academy in Panaji on Monday.

'Stereo Nation' seen performing at the Awards Ceremony of the T20 of Indian Cinema at the Kala Academy in Panaji on Monday.

Veteran bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore seen during the Red Carpet welcome at the Old GMC complex in Panaji during the ongoing 40th International Film Festival of India in Panaji on Monday.

Noted bollywood/marathi filmaker Amol Palekar seen addressing a press conference at the Media centre in Panaji on Monday. Also seen bollywood actor Rajat Kapoor.

Models seen during the Fashion Show showcasing the changing styles of the Bollywood actresses over the years during the Awards Ceremony of the T20 of Indian Cinema at the Kala Academy in Panaji on Monday.

Attempting to play down the incident ESG members said that Kingsley was asked to move his seat to another section of the auditorium where VIPs, including chief minister Digambar Kamat and speaker Pratapsingh Rane were seated, but was given no escort. ESG CEO Manoj Srivastava when asked about this laughed it out saying there was no “problem” between the ESG and Kingsley. “It was all a mistake. Kingsley was asked to shift to the other side of the auditorium, but the person escorting him led Kingsley out of the venue. We thought this person was with Kingsley and Kingsley thought he was of the ESG,” said Srivastava.

Srivastava said Kingsley later told him that he had an emergency in London and had to leave for the hotel to
make a call. “I went to meet him after the event, but he had already retired for the night,” he said.