"I give credit for my success to Goa which has become my second home. Mumbai may be my birthplace but Goa remains my 'karmabhoomi'," said Shetty, who inaugurated the Goa State Film Festival here today.
"The other day when I was shooting in Goa, an elderly man asked me 'where were you all these days'. People think I live here," he said.
Shetty, known for blockbuster slapstick comedies, has shot 'Golmaal' series, 'Singham' and some other films in the coastal state.
"There is certain kind of energy in this land. I always crave to be in Goa," he said, adding that he would try to promote Goan talent in the films. "May be actors or technicians...I promise to promote the local talent," the director said.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was the chief guest for the function, where well-known film editor Waman Bhonsle was conferred with the lifetime achievement award.
Bhonsle has edited 'Gulam', among other films.
"The award is an honour for the entire industry. I am thankful to Goa government," Bhonsle said, adding that this award was "most important" for him. Cinematographer K Vaikunth and music director Anthony Gonsalves were honoured posthumously with special recognition awards.
The festival will end on April 5.
