DIFF's shooting stars

The cream of India's acting talent is gathering for the launch of the third Dubai International Film Festival next week.

From heartthrob "King Khan" to the stunning Kangana Ranaut, Bollywood's favourite stars are set to grace the red carpet en masse from Sunday.

As guest of honour, Shah Rukh Khan will receive a DIFF Salutes trophy for his lifelong contribution to cinema on December 14. And his devoted following will have a chance to hear their idol discuss his cinematic work and vision during a special presentation entitled A Conversation with Shah Rukh Khan, at the Madinat Theatre on the same day.

Adding glamour to the event will be Gangster star Kangana Ranaut — a serious contender for the Bollywood crown — while Sameera Reddy, dubbed "Mumbai's Jennifer Lopez", and doe-eyed Don actress Sushma Reddy will also be present.

Winning formula

Shivani Pandya, DIFF's managing director, said: "Dubai and the GCC are fast becoming an important market for Indian cinema, contributing massively to their box office revenues.

"The festival hopes to assist in the growth of this market, and with the support of the Indian industry and Indian talent we feel we have a winning formula."

Back for the second year running is Kabul Express actor John Abraham, who is sure to set pulses racing among his female fans.

Meanwhile, the presence of both Hindi screen legend Dev Anand and South Indian superstar Mohan Lal will add gravitas to the occasion.

Another one to watch out for is Irrfan Khan promoting Mira Nair's The Namesake, in which he stars in a tale about the emotional aftermath of an inter-racial relationship on an Indian family living in the US.

The Bollywood stars converging in Dubai will be representing and supporting entries in DIFF's Cinema of the Subcontinent section, which this year features the latest in non-commercial offerings from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan.

Star shine

Kangana Ranaut
Starred in: Woh Lamhe and Gangster.

Sameera Reddy
Starred in: Taxi Number 9211; Musafir; Kalpurush; Darna Mana Hai; Maine Dil Tujhko Diya.

To know more

To find out more about DIFF, from December 10 to 17, visit: www.dubaifilmfest.com