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Ashutosh Gowariker, Anupam Kher, Shimit Amin and Mira Nair Highlight India’s Presence in Doha

Doha, Qatar; November 8, 2012: Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), the annual cultural celebration of Doha Film Institute (DFI), is celebrating the colourful canvas of Indian cinema that has endeared it to global audiences with a special tribute to the legendary director Yash Chopra, as well as panel discussions with leading directors and actors from the Indian film industry.

The festival will screen two films helmed by Yash Chopra, including his swansong, Till I Breathe This Life (Jab Tak Hai Jaan), which marked his return to the director’s seat after eight years in an illustrious career that spanned over 50 years. Starring Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has a huge following among Arab film-lovers, as well as Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, the film is one of the highly anticipated movies this year. With music by A. R. Rahman, the film is a vintage Yash Chopra romance, with searing emotions and captivating choreography. Till I Breathe This Life will be screened on Nov 20, to celebrate the rich body of work created by the cinematic genius.

Till I Breathe This Life (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)

In addition to the gala presentation, DFI is hosting a complimentary screening of Till I Breathe This Life (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) for the hardworking construction workforce and technicians from the wider community that enjoys Bollywood films at Gulf Cinemas, one of the oldest screening venues in Qatar on the 20 of November.

DTFF 2012 will also screen the 1995 blockbuster The Brave Heart will Take the Bride (Diwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge), produced by Yash Chopra, and directed by his son Aditya Chopra. Regarded as one of the longest-running Bollywood movies, the film also stars Shah Rukh Khan, and had played a decisive role in establishing his star credentials. It narrates the story of a man’s attempts to win the hand of the woman he loves, and is set in the backdrop of the silent clashes between modernity and traditional values. Also starring Kajol, the film will be screened as part of the complimentary community screenings at the Sony Open-Air Cinema on Katara Esplanade on Nov 21.

Regarded as the director who redefined romance in Indian cinema, Yash Chopra has over 40 credits to his name as a producer, and over 20 as a director. He has won over 18 awards for his excellence in direction and scripting in addition to various honorary titles conferred by global film organisations.

Anupam Kher

Indian film talent will also have significant presence at the Festival, with accomplished actor Anupam Kher starring in David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook, which will play in the ‘Special Screenings’ segment.

Several panel discussions for the public and industry delegates led by Indian talent will also be held at the Festival, with director Mira Nair discussing the making of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, mapping her journey to five countries across three continents. DTFF’s Jury Member and renowned director Ashutosh Gowariker (Lagaan, Jodha Akbar) will participate in the discussion Going Global: Can Bollywood Films Really Crossover? along with Shimit Amin, director of Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year , actor Anupam Kher and Vice-President of International Promotions for Yash Raj Films, Avtar Panesar. The session will be moderated by established film critic Rajeev Masand.

With an expanded Festival format this year, DTFF 2012 will open with the Middle East premiere of Mira Nair’s latest cinematic offering, The Reluctant Fundamentalist on November 17. Showcasing over 87 films from across the world under distinct themed sections including Arab Film Competition, Made in Qatar, Contemporary World Cinema, Special Screenings and Tribute to Algerian Cinema, DTFF 2012 will provide audiences a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience.

Public participation is central as the Festival is hosting an array of large community events, including Family Days, panel discussions, networking events and educational filmmaking programmes including Doha Talks and Doha Projects, with screening venues at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif and Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA).