For the first time in Australia , a cinema was named after the much loved and iconic Indian film maker , Mr Yash Chopra as a part of the on-going Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The prestigious Agora cinema in La Trobe university was renamed as the ' Yash Chopra Cinema', launched by Mrs Pamela Chopra.
A visibly moved Mrs. Chopra said : "this is the finest way to pay tribute to a film maker..actually name a cinema hall for him..I am so touched..and very very moved.. and I am so happy. And I know that where ever he is , he will be ecstatic that this is happening.. "
At the event , Professor John Dewar, Vice Chancellor and President of La Trobe University said : " Just as Yash Chopra did in his lifetime through his cinematic career, La Trobe has a mission to reach out to the world beyond our own campuses to help build friendships and offer opportunities. We also offer a vibrant Cinema Studies course – who knows, we may well have another budding ‘Bollywood’ director or producer among our midst.
La Trobe’s Future Ready Strategic Plan is about making a difference, about giving students a wonderful educational and life experience – just as Yash Chopra no doubt intended with every film he directed or produced. Tonight we honour him by renaming the Agora Cinema, the ‘Yash Chopra Cinema’, for a period of 12 months. So while we may not have Bollywood dancing tonight, we will certainly enjoy celebrating the life of Yash Chopra, and through that, reinforce our friendship and acknowledgement of the University’s ties with India and the Indian community here in Australia."
Along with Mrs Pamela Chopra , the event was attended by film maker , Kabir Khan , Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange and Australian media , students and Indian community.
Yash Chopra Cinema Renaming
Pamela Chopra visited La Trobe University to celebrate the renaming of their cinema, now the Yash Chopra Cinema, in honour of her late, and legendary, husband. After a beautiful and touching speech by Pamela, there was a renaming ceremony and a special screening of Jab Tak Hal Jaan, the iconic director-producer's final film.
Premier of Victoria
Minister For Innovation
Festival Director
FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
the Lord Mayor
