Kolkata, Nov 11 (UNI) The 22nd edition of Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) was inaugurated today in the presence of a galaxy of stars, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Bengal brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Sanjay Dutt, Parineeti Chopra and a host of stars from the Bengali film industry. Mr Bachchan inaugurated the festival by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Hundreds of people from different parts of the state made a beeline for the Netaji Indoor Stadium this evening to witness the inauguration of the week-long film festival. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “I extend my heartiest greetings to all delegates present here today. This is a festival of the people, by the people, for the people. Nowhere in the world so many people come together for a film festival. We show films in every neighourhood. Cinema speaks a language that no other medium can”. The chief minister said, “We cannot imagine KIFF without Amitabh ji. He is our permanent guide.” “Amit ji is incomplete without 'Dhonni Meye' Jaya Di. This has become a family festival,” she said. Ms Banerjee said ,” Everybody loves Shahrukh-Kajol 'juti'. We are lucky they are here together today.” “KIFF has competitive section now. This is a festival of the people, by the people, for the people,” she stated. “China is our partner country this year. We welcome the delegates from China to the KIFF festival,” the chief minister said. “Sokol desher sera moder Bangla bhoomi,” she added. The programme began with a performance by Pandit Tanmoy Bose and folk artistes of Lok Prasar Prakalpa. Shah Rukh Khan enthralled the audience by delivering a speech in Bangla. Amitabh Bachchan spoke at length about the portrayal of women’s issues in Indian cinema. During the course of his speech, he congratulated the chief minister for naming a flyover in Kolkata as “Maa” and praised Bengal’s Kanyashree Prakalpa. In all 155 films from 65 countries will be screened across 105 screens at 13 venues in Kolkata. A Bengali film ‘The Song of Life’ will kick off proceedings at the cine fiesta. This is the first time that a Bengali movie has been selected as the opening film. Earlier, guests were felicitated by actors of Bengali film industry with 'Pata Chitra' and paintings by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Before the inaugural ceremony - Chhau dance from Purulia was also performed on stage UNI BM SJC 1955