Bollywood stars Poonam Dhillon and Rajkummar Rao will be among the film talent in conversation at the Closing Gala of the 25th anniversary edition of UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) – among the world’s longest-running South Asian film festivals – in London this weekend.
Dhillon is a multi-award-winning artist and silver screen icon, having acted in over 100 films in Hindi, Telegu, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati and Punjabi, in blockbusters including ‘Noorie’ and ‘Trishul’. One of the top female actors in Indian cinema, she went on to make her mark on television in serials such as ‘Andaz’ and ‘Kitty Party’. Her acclaimed theatrical performances include ‘The Perfect Husband’, ‘The Perfect Wife’, ‘Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi’ and ‘U Turn’. Her upcoming films include ‘Super Woman’ and ‘Ek Kori Prem Katha’ on digital platforms.
Dhillon is also known for having pioneered the concept of mobile makeup vans in the Indian film industry and is the only film fraternity member of FCAT, an appellate tribunal for films facing censorship in India.
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Rajkummar Rao is one of the most talented and versatile actors of Hindi cinema. Being an outsider to the industry, he has carved a niche for himself with the different shades of character he plays, his choices in movies showcasing his diversity as an artist. He has appeared in more than 30 films since 2010 and is the recipient of several accolades including a National Film Award; three Filmfare Awards; and an Asia Pacific Screen Award.
UKAFF, presented by Tongues on Fire and is supported by the BFI and Arts Council England, opened earlier in May and runs at venues across London, Leicester, Manchester and Glasgow until May 14.
Over the last 25 years, the festival has been a force to champion South Asian female-centric cinema and celebrate women in film – both behind and in front of the camera. A festival helmed by women and feminist allies, its programmes have annually sought to disrupt the patriarchal status quo and initiate challenging conversations in its mission to advocate and promote gender equality in cinema.
The ‘Celebrating Our Stories’ theme of the festival’s silver jubilee year opened with the premiere of ‘Sanaa’ – a hard-hitting feminist take.
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UKAFF Founder and Director Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE said: “South Asian women are finally taking control to make their own decisions, be it their career, their bodies or their lives against a slow changing man’s world.
“We remain true to our roots with a power packed programme celebrating our stories through excellent films, masterclasses, in conversations, live events and more!”
UKAFF Creative Director Samir Bhamra added: “Our beloved festival strives to highlight new perspectives and shines the spotlight on acclaimed filmmakers.”
*Info: UK Asian Film Festival