HOUSTON, TEXAS – Sutapa Ghosh, Founding Chairperson and Director of the first annual Indian Film Festival of Houston, announced today that highly acclaimed actress and director, Deepti Naval, along with famous actress and star Manisha Koirala will be in Houston to attend the world premier of their newest film, Two Paise for Sunshine, Four Annas for Rain. This highly anticipated film will premier on September 21st, 8:00 p.m. at Studio Movie Grill at Town & Country CityCentre at Memorial and Beltway 8 during the Indian Film Festival. The festival will run from September 21 through September 25, 2009 and will culminate with a star studded Gala on September 26, at the InterContinental Hotel at 2222 West Loop South. The Gala will be a red carpet, black-tie/Indian chic award presentation event. The Film Festival will showcase movies from India and beyond, including regional films in three categories: feature films, short films, and documentaries.
All funds from the gala will benefit MediSend International’s humanitarian programs in India and the First Annual Film Festival of Houston. Official sponsors for The Indian Film Festival of Houston are Sorella CityCentre Hotel and Continental Airlines.
Born in northern India, Deepti Naval has enjoyed great success as an actor and has made a significant contribution towards Art Cinema through her acutely sensitive portrayals, emphasizing the “changing role of women” in India. Deepti received critical acclaim with her first film Ek Baar Phir, then, went on to play the lead in over 50 films. Two Paise for Sunshine, Four Annas for Rain is Deepti’s debut as a director. About her film she says, “I did not set out to make a film about gays or prostitutes…I wanted to tell a story…a simple story about the intricacies of human bonding.” Starring in this powerful film are Manisha Koirala, Sanaj Naval and Rajit Kapur.
Two Paise for Sunshine, Four Annas for Rain, is a film that journeys through tender and dramatic moments as the three characters, Debu, Kaku and Juhi strive to reach out and connect. The film explores the complexity of relationships in today’s society, where, above all, the human bond survives.
Sutapa Ghosh, the driving force behind creating the Houston Indian Film Festival, has produced several award-winning films in India. “When we began the planning process for the Indian Film Festival of Houston, we felt the single most important element was to bring the highest quality of films to our audience,” Ms. Ghosh explains. “By hosting the world premier of Two Paise for Sunshine, Four Annas for Rain, we feel that that we are debuting the very best Indian cinema has to offer,” Ms. Ghosh added.
In addition to Deepti Naval and Manisha Koirala, other Celebrities who will be attending the Gala from India will be:
Ø Music Composer, Director and Singer A.R.Rahman, the legend who won two Oscar awards. He was the first Indian to receive the Oscars - one award for the best score and the second for best song "jai ho" from the film "Slum Dog Millionaire.
Ø Sonu Nigaam—Pop Singer and Performer Sonu has performed not only in India, but almost every continent. His concerts have been held in America, UK, Europe, South Africa, France, Germany, Pakistan, Dubai, Afghanistan, Africa, Singapore, Bangkok, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Mauritius, Australia and Egypt.
Ø Indian Film Writer and poet Gulzar wrote the lyrics of the Oscar award winning Original Song "Jai Ho" from
"Slumdog Millionaire.
Ø Mohammad Iqbal Khan - Model, Actor, TV Host & television superstar. Talented, versatile and charming, he has created a niche for himself. He is an idol for national and international audiences.
For more information, please contact Jeff Smith with Smith & Sacco Public Relations at 713/627-8777 or email at jfsmitty@aol.com. For ticket information, please call 832.858.3181. For more information regarding the Festival, please visit the Indian Film Festival of Houston website at www.indianfilmfestivalofhouston.org.
About the Indian Film Festival of Houston
The Indian Film Festival of Houston is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating a greater appreciation of Indian Cinema and culture by showcasing quality films that honor entertainment industry performers and film makers while promoting the diverse perspectives of the Indian Diaspora through an annual Festival within Houston’s diverse community.
About MediSend International
MediSend International is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit humanitarian organization that supports under-resourced hospitals in developing countries with a multi-dimensional approach to improving community health. MediSend International’s mission includes education, training, technical support and management technologies in Biomedical Equipment Repair as well as the distribution of life-saving medical supplies and biomedical equipment for long-term partnerships and emergency relief programs.