New Delhi: After Adoor Gopalakrishnan, it happened with noted filmmakers Prakash Jha and Shaji N Karun.

Jha, who was to address a press conference at the 33rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on October 6, sat unnoticed among the journalists as the official who was to introduce him waited for him.

"We are waiting for Prakash Jha," the official said not realising he was sitting in front of him. When some journalists pointed out that he was right there, Jha then rose and said he had been sitting there for over 15 minutes.

Later in the day, Shaji refused to address his scheduled press conference after waiting for his turn for half-an-hour.

The official, who seemed to be unaware that his press conference was scheduled, asked through the mike "Oh, you want to speak" and that too after announcing tea.

Journalists, who were waiting for his press conference, crowded around Shaji but the world-renowned director refused to speak and stormed out despite appeals from the official and the media.

Asked if would address the media on October 7, Shaji said "no".

Officials at the IFFI said they were looking for him but he was nowhere to be found and that they were not aware he had gone off straight to the press conference hall.

They said they have apologised to the upset director about the misunderstanding.

World-renowned director Adoor Gopalkrishnan was also asked at the film festival venue on October 5 if he were from the media or a delegate.

PTI