Anil Kapoor to be honoured in LA

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is an annual film festival held in Los Angeles, California. Established by Christina Marouda in 2003, these awards pave the way for a greater appreciation of Indian cinema and diverse culture by providing the public with a selection of films from and about the Indian diaspora by Indian and international filmmakers.

It catalogs features and documentaries, and presents Grand Jury and Audience Choice awards in the following categories:
Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Short Story
Cinematic Scoring Achievement Award

The 7th Annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) will be held between April 21-26, 2009, at ArcLight Hollywood. It has announced that this year they will salute to SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE star and Bollywood legend Anil Kapoor. Kapoor is an accomplished artist and ambassador for the Indian filmmaking community.

The tribute to Kapoor will include screenings of his films LAMHE (1991) and VIRASAT (1997) as well as the world premiere of the English language version of GANDHI, MY FATHER (2007). Kapoor produced the film, which explores the cost Mahatma Gandhi’s own family bore due to his efforts to free the nation of India.

Kapoor first appeared on the big screen in HAMHARE TUMHARE in 1979. His first lead role followed four years later in the film WHO 7 DIN (1983). Kapoor has appeared in over 100 movies including LAMHE and VIRASAT, prior to his signature turn as the dynamic game show host, ‘Prem Kumar’ in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Other notable titles include CHAMELI KI SHAADI (1986), MR. INDIA (1987), RAM LAKHAN (1989), EESHWAR (1989), TAAL (1999) and PUKAR (2000). Upcoming films include the action thriller RACE 2.

Kapoor's Humble Acceptance

Kapoor said, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and honored that they have chosen to include my work as an actor and producer. With the incredible success of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, the timing could not be better. I feel as though I have come full circle. In November, I attended the AFI FEST premiere of Slumdog Millionaire at the ArcLight Theatre. Now, some five months later, I am humbled and honored that my work as an actor and filmmaker has been chosen to receive such a fantastic tribute at the same venue.”

IFFLA Festival Director Christina Marouda said, “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to shine the spotlight on such striking and dynamic figures as Anil Kapoor.

IFFLA also announced YES MADAM, SIR will highlight the Closing Night Gala with Dr. Kiran Bedi, India’s first and highest ranking woman officer of the Indian Police Service, attending as a special Guest of Honor on Sunday, April 26.