Cannes premieres The Great Gatsby at the opening ceremony but with a Bollywood touch

It’s a time of great celebration as the most awaited Cannes film festival has begun. The opening night of the 66^thCannes saw a glamorous premiere ofBaz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, which kick started the show after the jury arrived. The show started with Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman, Carey Mulligan and a group of dancers that formed an atmosphere on stage.

The two idols who star inThe Great Gatsby,Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan and Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio declared the festival opening. Spielberg got a standing ovation at Cannes and the moved Steven told audience that at 66 he was getting 'older alongside the festival'. The event also saw the likes of Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Aussie Joel Edgerton accompanied byThe Great Gatsby’s Jay Gatsby played by Leonardo. The $51 million grossing film directorLuhrmann,got a mix of reviews from the critics as some whistled disapproval, while other applauded his work.

India was the guest of honour this year and the festival congratulated Indian cinema on completion of its 100 years. Mr. Bachchan commented on the occasion, “I am very grateful to the Cannes Film Festival for honouring Indian cinema in this manner.” The 12-day film festival has also two noted Indian actresses Vidya Balan and Nandita Das, who are a part of the jury.