KATHMANDU: The Indian Film Festival kicked off at Jai Nepal on March 3 with the screening of Mughal-e-Azam and Chaudhvin ka Chand. Some of the best Bollywood oldies have been brought together for the people of Kathmandu by the Indian embassy and BP Koirala India Nepal foundation.

Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, Indian ambassador to Nepal, inaugurated the programme. Prakash Sayami, film director and art critic, was also present. Sayami gave a brief introduction of all films, which will be showcased during this festival.

He narrated some interesting incidents that occurred while making the movies. Mukherjee said these films were very popular in their times and they have stood the test of time and have remained popular even today.

Today’s attractions:

Pyasa (1957)

This hilarious Guru Dutt movie tells the story of a poet (Dutt himself) who wants to make a name for himself. But the outcasts of society are his only true friends. The music is given by the legendary SD Burman, and the cast comprises Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha, Johnny Walker and Mehmood. (11:30 am)

Bobby (1973)

Bobby is remembered for the young and pure first love between two very young people. But the film is not just about the stars and rainbow. It shows that the lovers’ world is full of thorns and how the lovers face the world and the triumph of true love. Cast comprises Rishi Kapoor and a very, very young Dimple Kapadia as the young lovers. (3:00 pm)