GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government on Wednesday inked an MoU with the Times Group-owned Worldwide Media (WWM) to host the 69th edition of the Filmfare awards, bringing Bollywood’s most-awaited annual honours night to the state for the first time.Chief minister Bhupendra Patel and Vineet Jain, managing director of the Times Group, were present when the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) and WWM signed the MoU.Patel said Gujarat hosting the Filmfare awards function would give a fillip to the tourism sector and boost cinema in the state.

“The state government aims to promote Gujarat as a film destination, and this event will provide the right environment for the effort,” the CM said.Jain said the entertainment industry’s transformative power can enhance tourism, generate revenue and create employment opportunities.

“By hosting the 69th Filmfare awards in Gujarat, our aim is not only to promote tourism in this region, but also turbocharge the local film ecosystem,” he said.

“Gujarat has already built a reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse, and this partnership will enhance its status as a fountainhead of soft power and also elevate the state’s stature as a sought-after destination for production houses worldwide.” Jain said the partnership highlights the potential of public-private collaboration.

“Together, we can harness the influential platform of the entertainment industry to drive positive change and stimulate economic growth,” he added.Actor Tiger Shroff, who was present for the MoU signing ceremony, said, “I am happy and privileged to be here.

I have had a long-standing relationship with Filmfare and Gujarat.

This (the next Filmfare awards event) is going to be our best show, and I look forward to coming back to Gujarat next January.”Jain said the entertainment industry’s transformative power can enhance tourism, generate revenue and create employment opportunities