The British-American filmmaker, fresh from his Oscar victory for historical drama ‘Oppenheimer’, will receive the honour for services to film
Irani on Saturday said that she is looking forward to the presence of the superstar at the event, which is held annually in Goa. The 48th edition will be held from November 20 to 28.
"Great endeavour by I&B Minister Smriti Irani to make IFFI the most inclusive, relevant forum for Indian cinema. My unwavering support to you," Shah Rukh posted on Twitter.
Last year, the 47th edition of the IFFI came to a close with Iranian film "Daughter" coming away as the festival's best film. Over 300 films from 90 countries were screened at the nine-day event.
Nearly 4,500 delegates were present at the event last year to participate in IFFI, which is reckoned as one of Asia's oldest film festivals.