The Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta finally gets her due as she is honoured with a star in Canada’s Walk of Fame
TORONTO: Canada’s Walk of Fame (CWOF) recently rolled out the red carpet for 2016 inductees at the Allstream Centre in downtown Toronto.
Among this year’s inductees were internationally well-known filmmaker Deepa Mehta, fashion icon, entrepreneur journalist and TV personality Jeanne Beker, singer Corey Hart, actor Jason Priestly, hockey star Darryl Sittler and actor-director Al Waxman.
Those at the induction ceremony included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mother Margaret Trudeau, Brad Goreski, Chris Evert, first-ever Canadian woman astronaut and 2011 Walk of Fame inductee Roberta Bondar, 2005 Walk of Fame inductee Keifer Sutherland, Nikki Yanofsky, Nelly Furtado, Gil Moore and many others.
Signing her star, Deepa Mehta said she was happy that her work has been appreciated.
“I am an out and out feminist as everyone may well know and I am happy to see that my work is appreciated,” she said. “Women should be brought up to be strong and confident and not be afraid to speak up for themselves and against injustice.”
As Deepa’s most films have strong female roles with focus on violence against women, she said that “not enough is being done to prevent violence against women even in today’s times”.
Her advice to women was: “Don’t be a victim, stand up and speak out and come forth without fear for yourself and other women. Don’t wait for encouragement and support – be bold and step out and the support will follow.”
Canadian-American heart-throb Jason Priestley was present to receive his star with his beautiful wife and children. “I am truly humbled to accept this induction to the Walk of Fame and am thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I am grateful for my Canadian fans and all the love from all over the globe,” he said.
Asked about his recent success in the TV series Private Eyes, Priestley said, “We were actually surprised to see its success on both sides of the border. It was an absolute delight to film this series! It was different and refreshing for me.”
Fashion diva Jeanne Beker received her star as her three daughter accompanied her to the ceremony.
Margaret Trudeau, who looked elegant and sophisticated in a simple black and white gown accessorized with stunning diamond pendant earrings, presented the star to Jeanne Beker. “It was so appropriate for me to present Jeanne Beker as she has been my role model and I have followed her fashion trends from my days in Ottawa,” she said.
“Things have really changed since I was living at 24 Sussex Drive. In my days it was more of a man’s world with the role of a PM’s wife just to look beautiful and dress well and be a great hostess. Today I see my daughter-in-law Sophie, fulfilling a more substantial role and having more scope as PM’s wife than just a fashion icon. And I am really happy to see that,” Trudeau added.
Canada’s Unsung Hero 2016 award went to John Cairns who lost his right arm and leg after he was run over by a railway car in Nov 1992 and then went on to become one of Canada’s leading motivational speakers. He has focused on the power of the human spirit to become proof of how you can rise above your circumstances.
The Walk of Fame in Toronto’s entertainment district has honoured more than 150 Canadians since 1998.
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