Updated: 09.16.09

The first Houston Indian Film Festival will debut in Houston, begining Monday at Studio Movie Grill at CityCentre and will culminate with a star-studded gala Saturday at the InterContinental Hotel.

The festival will showcase movies from India and beyond, including regional films in three categories: feature films, short films and documentaries.

The festival kicks off with the world premiere of acclaimed director Deepti Naval’s newest film, “Two Paisas for Sunshine, Four Annas for Rain,” starring Manisha Koirala. Both will be in Houston for the premiere.

Sutapa Ghosh, the driving force behind creating the Houston Indian Film Festival, has produced several award-winning films in India.

“Houston is a natural selection to become another Bollywood location,” Ghosh said. “There is a large Indian population here and throughout Texas and Houston has become an important film center. I am pleased to announce that I will be working with Worldwide Stage, Inc., the producing company of numerous international festivals and celebrity events.”

Movies start at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Check local theater listings; Tickets are $10 for feature film and $8 for short and documentary films

For more information call 713-260-9630 or go to www.iffhinc.org

Some notables who will attend the festival are:

Sonu Nigaam — op 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.

Megan Mylan — director and producer and a 2009 Oscar winner for the documentary film, “Smile Pinki.” Her film, “Lost Boys of Sudan,” co-directed with Jon Shenk, won an Independent Spirit Award and was nominated for two national Emmys.

Gulzar — Indian screenwriter and poet who wrote the lyrics of the Oscar award-winning original song “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Mohammad Iqbal Khan — model, actor, television host. Talented, versatile and charming, he is an idol for national and international audiences.

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.

For more information regarding the Festival, please visit the Indian Film Festival of Houston website at www.iffhinc.org.