Shahid Kapoor inaugurates HTKGAF with selfies and a spring in his step

As a first-timer, Kapoor said it was good to see people far and wide engaging with the arts

“There are very few festivals that support artistes on such a large scale,” said actor Shahid Kapoor, inaugurating the Hindustan Times Kala Ghoda Arts Festival at Cross Maidan on Saturday.

Actor Shahid Kapoor during the inauguration ceremony of the HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival at Cross Maidan in Mumbai on Saturday. (Arijit Sen/HT)

“It’s a beautiful and eclectic mix of everything art, right here in the city’s art district.”

The actor, along with members of the KGAF committee, lit the lamp and all spoke about what the festival means to them.

“Every year brings with it something new — spirit, excitement, artistes and an audience. I am happy to receive support from everyone — the sponsors and the law — whenever we’ve wanted to undertake new experiments,” said Maneck Davar, honorary chairman of the Kala Ghoda Association.

Anant Bajaj, joint managing director of Bajaj Electricals, said it was important for everyone to come out not only to have fun but to make Mumbai well-known.

As a first-timer, Kapoor said it was good to see people far and wide engaging with the arts, on a platform that was massive, free, and open to all.

“The best thing about the festival is that it covers various aspects — music, literature, installations. It gives everybody an opportunity to express themselves and participate. It’s important to encourage young artistes. You never know which one of them will make it big and represent our country around the world,” Kapoor added.

A few fans and he then broke into a jig to ‘Dhating naach’, a song from his 2013 movie Phata Poster Nikla Hero.

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