It was in Saudi Arabia that Bollywood megastar Salman Khan drew international attention by attending the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, adding yet another feather to his cap in the cinematic journey so far. The actor brought Bollywood glamour to the prestigious event, a celebration of storytelling from across the world.
The most unforgettable moments in the evening were when Salman Khan gave the highly coveted Red Sea Honouree Award to Hollywood powerhouse Idris Elba. True to his signature low-key manner, Salman gave a short, heart-of-gold introduction that instantly hit a chord with the audience. Saluting Elba’s work, Salman revealed how he had enjoyed the actor’s films both in theaters and at home with loved ones before warmly welcoming him to the stage.
In an instant, Idris Elba’s acceptance speech was already one of the more emotional moments of the night. Tearfully, he spoke of the Red Sea International Film Festival as the best that had ever happened in his life. Elba elaborated that the festival rightly represented the world, mingling voices from around the globe that tell stories not for quick profits but due to cultural understanding, education, and common humanity.
Wholesome moment: Idris Elba hugs #SalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/y8YRgJo7mU
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He went ahead to praise the leadership of the festival, especially the chairwoman, for creating a platform that celebrates diversity and meaningful storytelling. He showed clearly his hope to return, proof that it had left marks on him.
The award held a special meaning for Elba, who dedicated his honour to his parents. He shared a very personal story of being an only child and how his parents’ faith in his dream of becoming an actor shaped his life. He thanked his wife Sabrina and his children for the love and support that motive him each day.
With a tinge of humor, Elba added that his very first job as an actor was a commercial in which he had to chase his stolen bicycle, before announcing the Red Sea Film Festival as “on top of the hill.” Salman Khan was earlier in the day busy with an interactive session, sharing experiences from his glittering career. Later, he was the cynosure of all eyes on the red carpet when suddenly he happened to meet the Hollywood star Johnny Depp-one of the hottest selling moments of the festival, no doubt. Indeed, it was a night that captured the spirit of global cinema in every respect-culture, star power, and storytelling all blended so well.
