Johnny Depp at IFFI 2006?

The Inernational Film Festival of India at Goa [Images] promised to feature great stars from the world of cinema, both Indian and International.

What it has given us, instead, is a set of European and Indian directors. While it is great to be able to spend time with filmmakers and cinematographers, the red carpet aspect of any festival cannot be overlooked.

We are calling this India's answer to Cannes [Images], but even our biggest names are missing.

Full Coverage: IFFI 2005

In an attempt to redress this imbalance, a couple of nights ago, at one the Festival's many parties, director Shyam Benegal [Images] took IFFI Director Afzal Amanullah aside and gave him some valuable advice, and we happened to be within earshot.

"Johnny Depp [Images] will be in India in November 2006. Not just that, he will be in Goa," Benegal said, probably referring to Depp's planned adaptation of Gregory David Roberts' novel, Shantaram.

"If you call him at that time, he just might accept your invitation and come for IFFI. But do it now. Don't wait for next November to send him an invitation. Call him now," the veteran director added.