Mumbai : Bollywood stars, movie lovers and film enthusiasts walked down the red carpet as British Airways launched the much awaited film extravaganza, ‘Silent Picturehouse’ to celebrate 100 glorious years of Indian cinema. The three day event, which promised its guests to travel the world from their seats, was hosted at Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai from 16th of December to 18th of December. The event witnessed presence of some of the most prominent names in the film fraternity, including Karan Johar, hosting the gala night! Amongst other luminaries, sizzling Bollywood celebrities, Arjun Rampal, Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Mandira Bedi, Chitrangda Singh and Minissha Lamba graced the occasion with their presence.

Christopher Fordyce, Regional Commercial Manager, South Asia, British Airways, said “India is one of our most significant markets and we take pride in being a part of the celebrations of completing 100 years of Indian cinema by bringing ‘Silent Picturehouse’ for the first time to Mumbai. We at British Airways, just like the Indian cinema are constantly redefining, innovating and introducing an array of new initiatives to showcase our drive towards customer gratification.

“Silent Picturehouse has truly been a unique opportunity for everyone here tonight to have had an on-board experience whilst enjoying our unparalleled inflight entertainment and delectable menu options from the comfort of their seat. This has been a truly exciting night for us and we do hope that our customers have had an extremely enjoyable experience.”

Commenting on his association with British Airways’ ‘Silent Picturehouse’, Karan Johar said, “I am delighted to be a part of the Indian film industry. This is a great year for us in India as we are celebrating 100 glorious years of the Indian cinema, perhaps the biggest film industry in the world. British Airways has brought an interesting concept of cinema viewing, Silent Picturehouse, to the people of Mumbai for the first time ever to commemorate this occasion. As part of this initiative, we have showcased some of my favourite selection of films from Dharma productions, which truly resonated with the spirit of Bollywood. I hope that people have enjoyed this unique cinematic experience combined with British Airways’ hospitality at the event.”

The screenings showcased Bollywood blockbuster films on three different screens, playing simultaneously in a space to recreate the in-flight entertainment experience with the traditional cinema viewing environment. The audience tuned in to pre-selected jury movies of their choice using wireless headphones and enjoyed the screenings. Movies screened at the event included Dharma Productions’ super hits such as, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, handpicked by Karan Johar himself.

In addition, the event witnessed an exquisite showcase of Queenie Dhody’s jewellery collection inspired by eternal beauties from different Bollywood eras.

The ceremony culminated with a gala event on Wednesday, 18th of December, which was attended by crème de la crème of Mumbai’s high society including numerous Bollywood celebrities.

The evening later saw the celebrations literally taken to the skies with the highest tea party in Mumbai with a smashing ‘Silent Disco’ after-party at AER Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai. Guests were treated to a selection of unique speciality teas from the Twinings’ Signature Tea Cocktails with an innovative new blend of the nation’s favourite drink, specifically designed for British Airways.

The ‘Silent Picturehouse’ is a unique cinematic experience; an original concept by the British Airways launched globally in 2010 to mark the airline’s partnership with British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

Source : Sachin Murdeshwar