SRK roped in Katrina, Anushka for KIFF opener

Calling himself one of the organisers of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan Saturday disclosed he had roped in actresses Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma for the fest's inauguration.

The 18th KIFF, inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, megastars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Saturday, had a glitzy and glamorous opening ceremony with Katrina, Anushka and Mithun Chakraborty at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Shah Rukh, the brand ambassador of West Bengal, said: "This time I come from the side of the organisers and so I have requested both the beauties Anushka and Katrina to be a part of it. I will also have to welcome Mithun da and Amitji."

The actor, alongside Katrina and Anushka, his co-stars in forthcoming release "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", was also here to promote the romantic film, releasing Nov 13.

The film is late Yash Chopra's last directorial venture. A grand premiere for the movie is being planned in Mumbai Nov 12.

"We would have loved to premiere the film at the festival but because of Yashji's demise, we are premiering it at his studio in Mumbai Nov 12," said Shah Rukh.

Stressing on the importance of film festivals, he said they "must be encouraged as they bring international cinema to a huge audience."