Veteran Indian film producer G.P. Sippy received a life-time achievement award from the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI) at the third edition of the increasingly important Mumbai International Film Festival (November 23-30).

Sippy, who produced India's biggest hit Sholay in 1975, said he had never received a life-time achievement award. "I know I will never ever receive another one," he added. "This is a wonderful feeling".

Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon opened 80-film event, while the premiere of M F Hussain's long-awaited feature Gajagamini closed proceedings. The state government pledged to fully fund the festival from next year.