12th London Asian film festival

2 days to go! The 12th London Film Festival Tongues on Fire opens this Friday. The festival runs from 5th March to 14th March, 2010. It is said to attract the likes of Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Soha Ali Khan, and Sharmila Tagore.

London’s West End will get chance to see some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters such as, “Guru”, “Dostana”, and “Chak De India” at 10 day long festival. Shyam Benegal’s “Well Done Abba”, besides other South Asian and British Indian films. The Om Puri starrer “Life Goes On”, will have its premiere on closing night with actors Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan attending it.

Festival patron, the writer, actress and comedian Meera Syal said, "I have been very proud to be associated with Tongues on Fire over the years, both as an excited viewer, and also as a participant, and am honoured to be the Patron of the Festival."

Abhishek Bachchan will open the show on Friday with a BAFTA interview. Jaya Bachchan will be given a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the Indian Film Industry. Abhishek Bachchan will also be interacting with junior film-makers and cinema lovers giving them a chance to learn what makes him the actor he is today.

Festival director, Pushpinder Chowdhary was in a very cheerful mood saying, “This year’s Tongues on Fire couldn’t come at a better time. With MY NAME IS KHAN smashing records at cinemas around the country to become the most successful Bollywood film in British box office history, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of Asian cinema.”