Mumbai Film Festival 2014: Aishwarya Rai Meets Salman's Step-Mother Helen, Deepika Takes Selfies with Fans [PHOTOS]

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who inaugurated the 16^th Mumbai Film Festival, honoured French actress Catherine Deneuve.

The gorgeous actress, who looked stunning in an elegant Sabyasachi creation, was also courteous enough to greet her ex-flame Salman Khan's step mother, Helen, who was later felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Akshay Kumar.

Deepika Padukone, who has been on her toes for "Happy New Year" promotions, also lent her support for the festival. The actress said it was necessary for everyone in the film fraternity to come together to support such a festival, in the process reaching out to a wider audience.

"The fest is comparatively newer than other popular film festivals, so it will take time. As an individual, I'm doing whatever I can. And I know that a lot of other actors, directors and producers have also contributed to it, not just financially, but also in terms of awareness," Hindustan Times quoted the actress.

Ranbir Kapoor, who has been recovering from an adenoid surgery, also stepped in, looking dapper in a formal suit. He reportedly shared an easy and friendly rapport with superstar Aamir Khan's wife Kiran Rao.

Kalki Koechlin surprised everyone as she posed with ex-husband Anurag Kashyap at the red carpet. However, the festival was also attended by director Ayan Mukerji, Huma Qureshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Subhash Ghai and Rahul Bose among others.

The Mumbai Film Festival is organized by MAMI – Mumbai Academy of Moving Image and was started in 1997 by master director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The trust is now chaired by Shyam Benegal.