IIFA to hold Raj Kapoor film festival

Mumbai, March 4 – The 12th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend, to be held in Toronto this year, will organise a Raj Kapoor retrospect.
 

“I have been part of IIFA since 12 years now and for the last four years I have been performing consecutively. But this year is going to be more special to me because Wizcraft and IIFA are having a Raj Kapoor retrospect,” Kareena, grand-daughter of Raj Kapoor, told reporters here Friday.

“It’s going to be very special and emotional. I’m very excited about that than anything else because Raj Kapoor was not only my grandfather but a man, who defined Hindi cinema,” she added.

The IIFA weekend will be held across the cities of Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga and Markham in the Greater Toronto Area from June 23-25.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is also the advisory board member of IIFA, said the retrospect will be held in association with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“TIFF is a great platform that has supported Hollywood and world cinema for many years. Recently, its association with Hindi cinema has been tremendous and now it brings the golden era man Raj Kapoor on the surface of the Hollywood industry. It’s a great idea which is supported by IIFA,” said Karan.

Apart from this, the three-day show will feature world premiere of a select films, an awards gala, a fashion show and other interactive events.

Asha Bhosle makes acting debut with ‘Maaee’

Mumbai, March 2 – After singing for decades, legendary Asha Bhosle is finally making her acting debut with “Maaee” about a woman abandoned by her only son.

“The moment this story was narrated to me, I connected so very strongly with it as a mother and a human being even though it was so far removed from my own life and experience. I knew then and there that there was no way I could let the opportunity to essay this character pass me by,” Asha, 77, said in a statement. 

“Maaee” shows what happens when a woman is abandoned by her only son and then goes to live with her daughter and son-in-law. It stars Padmini Kolhapure as her daughter.

The film, to be made in Hindi, is being produced by Nitin Shankar and directed by debutant director Mahesh Kodiyal. It goes on floor in April this year and will be shot entirely in Mumbai.