as well as many

The VIPs who did not want their names in the invitation but promised to be there were Kamal and Rajini. Young heroes like Dhanush, Jayam Ravi and Karthi, directors KS Ravi Kumar, Dharani and Seeman as well as many prominent film personalities were present. Iswarya Dhanush sat along with her dad. The film's heroine Christina was wearing a glamorous dress and the photographers wore their fingers thin taking photos of her.

Please explain the underline parts.