Films of the Khan trio of Bollywood — Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh — will literally rule the Festival of India to be held in laos, Vietnam and Cambodia from February 9 to March 21.
The second mini-festival in the series, the event organised by the Union Culture Ministry, will also showcase most popular Indian mehndi (henna) art and yoga as requested by these countries.
As a tribute to veteran actor Farooq Shaikh, his popular film ‘Chashme Baddoor’ will also be filmed at the festival besides Anil Kapoor-Manisha Koirala starrer 1942 — A love Story,’ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Jodhaa Akbar which stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai.
Aamir Khan’s hit films Dil Chahta Hai and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Shah Rukh Khan’s Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and Salman Khan’s block-bluster Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam will provide the visual treat to the citizens as well as Indians living in these countries.
Incidentally, Shah Rukh Khan’s Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa was showcased last year also and is being repeated because of huge demand.
“Indian films are a huge draw abroad even though there are not much Indians in these countries. The films have been arranged by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry with subtitles in respective languages,” said B Srinivas, Joint Secretary in the Culture Ministry.
The festival will be held in laos from 9-11 February, Cambodia from 14-19 February and Vietnam from 6-15 March.
One of the major attractions of the festival will be classical dance on Ramayana which is spread in these countries too to be performed by the Kalashetra Foundation, a Buddhist exhibition showcasing teachings of Buddha, Buddhist Mahotsava where the locals will witness the construction of sand mandala, butter sculpture and lama Chant. A contingent of nearly 75 artistes will be participating in the festival, Srinivas added.
The citizens of these three countries will also get a taste of Indian food — North and South — as two Indian chefs will accompany the delegation.The first Festival of India was organised in Peru and Cuba between 26 and 31 October last year and was a huge success, said the official.