Freida can't zest up vacant IFFI celebrity central

Freida can't zest up vacant IFFI celebrity central: Freida Pinto came, she smiled, but not many people saw it. The 'Slumdog Millionaire' star was the biggest celebrity so far to walk the generally empty red carpet at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) but her presence failed to add any spice. The Mumbai-born actress is in Goa to attend the premiere of Woody Allen's film 'You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger' in Goa.

There was not much of a crowd when Pinto, dressed in a violet gown, walked the red carpet as not many people seemed aware of her presence. There was a crowd mostly of media persons outside the Inox venue for the premiere of the movie. Call it Allen's magic or the effect of Pinto's beauty, the hall was packed to its full capacity for the film, which is being shown in India for the first time. "It is great to see that the film is a houseful. No matter how big or small a film is, it is always great to know that your film is being liked by people," Pinto said before the screening.

Allen's latest film, a comedy-drama starring Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Jones and Naomi Watts, was first premiered at the Cannes film festival this year. Pinto plays the role of a musicologist Dia in the film. Brolin's character sees Pinto through a window and falls for her.

Talking about the film, Pinto said, "I learnt a very important thing from the film that the grass is always greener on the other side but I won't say much beyond the fact that it was an honour to work with Woody Allen. He is the best teacher that I have had, considering that I never went to an acting school.