Festival will showcase his “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959, with Waheeda Rehman), “Mr. & Mrs. 55” (1955, with Madhubala), “Sahib Bibi aur Gulam” (1962, with Meena Kumari & Waheeda Rahman), and “Pyaasa” (1957, with Mala Sinha & Waheeda Rehman) films. While “Sahib Bibi aur Gulam” was directed by Abrar Alvi, rest were all directed by Filmfare Award winner Guru Dutt himself.

Commending HKIFF for honoring Guru Dutt, Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged India Government and large private conglomerates of India to promote independent cinema. India was full of creative and excellent filmmakers and they only needed an integrated effort in funding, encouragement, marketing/promotion, exposure in global avenues, and organization of world-level film festivals in India, Rajan Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

Screening over 240 titles from over 50 countries in 11 major cultural venues across the territory, HKIFF claims to be one of Asia’s most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers from all over the world to launch new works and experience outstanding films. Wilfred Wong and Ann Hui are Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of Board of Directors of HKIFF Society. Its tagline is: “Uniting the World through Film”.

The awareness month aims to sensitise people about sleep disorders. “In our busy lives, we don’t pay much attention to sleep or the lack of it. In case you are facing irregular sleep habits, it’s important to approach your local doctor,” Vidya said. Sleep on it, shall we say?

According to our source, “Very soon, the two male leads and their families will be introduced. Sudha Chandran was offered the role of the patriarch of one of the familes, but the role will now be played by Navneet Nishan. The production house and channel wanted Sudha to portray this classy role, but the actress could not manage her dates”.

Sudha Chandran when asked told us “Yes, I was offered the role and it was a nice character. But they wanted to start shoot immediately, and I could not do so as my role in Mata Ki Chowki got extended”.

Navneet Nishan who has bagged the role elaborates on her character and states, “The character I am playing is very positive and loving. I am the Dadi of Shaurya. I love him very much, and will help him get married to his love, as the story unfolds”.

When asked why she took up this role, Navneet said, “Ratna Sinha, the Producer of the show is a close friend of mine. I know her for five years, and when she narrated this very important character, I had to take it up”.

The actress has already begun shoot and her entry will be aired very soon.

The buzz now is that ace cricketer and eligible bachelor Yuvraj Singh is all set for his Swayamvar in Imagine’s third season of the show.

According to our source, “The channel and production house want to rope in a cricketer this time, and who better than Yuvraj Singh. But all this is in the nascent stage and nothing is concrete as of now”.

Guess this is a time for cricketers to sizzle on television, as even COLORS’ Fear Factor hosted by Akshay Kumar is also reported to be looking for cricketers from all nations to participate in the show.

For the uninitiated, Yuvraj is already a hot property in the entertainment industry, what with his apparent friendship with Deepika Padukone.

The third series of Swayamvar on Imagine is expected to launch sometime in June of this year

Last year same month Lali was born. Yes, this month Zee TV’s Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo completes one year. Ratan Rajput, who until then was not a very known face attained stardom and celebrity status through her super hit show.

16th March last year was the day when Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo went on air and Lali became a household name very shortly thereafter as the show climbed up the success chart.

To celebrate the one year successful completion of the show Zee TV threw a gala party for the entire cast and crew in Miramba Lounge, Andheri on 11th March 2010. The guest list included people like Ratan Rajput, Abhishek Rawat with wife Anjali, Sachal Tyagi, Surbhi Tiwari, Aditya Lakhia, Sudesh Berry, Sukirti Kandpal with producer Siddharth Tiwary and the entire production crew. The party went on till wee hours of the morning (3am)

Ratan Rajput is currently super excited about her second birthday and has sent a text message to all her near and dear ones. The message says, ” I actually feel like its my real birthday!! Congratulations and cheers to everybody associated with the show… mujhe sach mein lag raha hai ki aaj mera birthday hai………toh mera birthday gift Kahan hai ???”