It was a day to relive the rich ancient history of India as the National Museum here turned into India's largest repository of antique jewellery when a gallery featuring works from the Indus Valley civilisation (3,300 BC) to the more recent ones of the 19th and 20th centuries opened its doors once again.

"Alamkara", the gallery that was last functionable in 2006, has the most extensive collection of jewellery in India with more than 250 items displayed. It was inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Shripad Yesso Naik.

From the beautifully tumbled agate bead necklaces of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa to the fabulous jewellery that was once the pride of the Mughals and the maharajas, the display features important periods of Indian history.

The minister also said that the National Museum is poised to get four more galleries by 2016.

"Four of a total of eight galleries that have remained closed for long have been opened. The Bronzes gallery would be opened in January next year, followed by the Manuscripts gallery in March," he told reporters after going around "Alamkara".

"Two galleries, both featuring Central Asian antiquities, will be reopened by 2016," he added.

Naik was shown around the new gallery by its guest curator, Usha Balakrishnan, who briefed Naik about the salient features of the antiques on display in the 25 glass cases.

One got the chance to see not only the simple everyday wear item but also magnificent creations made for ceremonial occasions. From items fashioned from mostly gold besides shell, bone and silver to those made to adorn, enhance, beautify and worn to protect, heal and energise, the jewels of India ornaments definitely strike a right chord with visitors.

Painstakingly wrought by anonymous goldsmiths in ateliers and workshops across the country, the national museum collection celebrates the great variety of forms, the beauty of Indian design and the genius of Indian craftsmanship.

The collection displays ornaments that can be worn by men, women as well as children. From turban ornaments along with Maharajah's jewels to ear-rings of the Rajasthani male, there was some of the eye catching designs that were displayed in the gallery.

The collection had different themes. While it follows chronology what with first glass-case showcasing objects of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, the next segment on Taxila has jewels from the 1st century CE.

Further, the gallery has cases with themes such as 'God' (jewels seen on deities) and 'Maharajas' in the next two glass cases. Next comes typology, ornaments worn from head to toe. Then there is a set of four glass cases, displaying the stylistic difference of articles from the country's north and south.

There are also exhibits showing the flora and fauna used in ornamentation.

Filmmaker Ravi Chopra was hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital Thursday and a source close to the family said he is "doing fine now".

"He was hospitalised day before yesterday (Thursday) at Breach Candy hospital and he is fine now," a source close to the family told IANS.

The 68-year-old "Baghban" director has been reportedly suffering from a severe lung ailment since the last few years.

Son of late B.R. Chopra, Ravi is also known for directing "The Burning Train", "Aaj Ki Awaz", and "Baabul" among others.

Actor Anupam Kher Saturday wished L.K. Advani on his 87th birthday, by personally calling the senior BJP leader.

The veteran took to social networking site Twitter to share the delight of talking to the leader and wish him once again.

“Happy Birthday Advani Ji. It was a pleasure to wish him personally on the phone. Literally A Tall leader. Wishing him peace & long life.:),” he tweeted.

On professional front, the actor has not only carved a niche for himself with his powerful performances in Bollywood films like “A Wednesday!” and “Khosla Ka Ghosla” but worldwide too.

The actor has been applauded for his crossover projects like "You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger" and "Silver Linings Playbook". Now the actor is all set to wow the audience, with upcoming American sci-fi Netflix Series “Sense8” of “The Matrix” makers -- Andy and Lana Wachowski.

The actor, who started shooting for the show, showed his excitement on the social site.

“Looking forward to my first day's shoot of Wachowsky's series SENSE8.:),” tweeted the 59-year-old.

Singer Kailash Kher, who was nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday to take forward the message to clean India, was not only elated by the offer but also expressed his eagerness to be a part of the campaign.

“So happy 2 have namo's invitation, i think so alike about cleanliness,this will strengthen my wish and willingness about this mission,” the “Allah ke bande” hitmaker tweeted Saturday.

The singer, whose music echoes peaceful and harmonious notes, also thanked Modi for making him a part of his attempt to bring a cleanliness wave in the country through “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”.

“Yathaa Raja Tathaa Praja (as the ruler so the ruled), @PMOIndia @narendramodi Thank you for nominating n showing faith in Me. for #SwachhBharatMission Proud to be part,” he tweeted.

Modi, on the sidelines of his visit to Varanasi, nominated nine more people including Kailash, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, cricketers Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif for the campaign.

TV show "Tum Aise Hi Rehna" revolves around how men tend to change after marriage. But contrary to the show's track, it's female lead Shefali Sharma says her husband is "still the same".

The actress got married to Varun Sethi, creative supervisor of her debut show "Bani - Ishq Da Kalma" in September.

"He has not changed. But I think it is quite early for me to answer that question. I would only be able to talk about it better after one year," Shefali told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Shefali asserts that only one aspect of her life has changed after marriage, and that is she is having more fun now.

"Everyone keeps on asking me that how has my life changed after marriage. I come from a joint family and when I shifted to Mumbai for 'Bani' I felt very lonely. After my wedding, I have got my family back and it's so much fun," said the actress.

Coming from theatre background, Shefali opts for roles which "can relate to people and are realistic" in nature.

Shefali will be seen essaying the role of Ria in the SONY TV show, which goes on air Nov 10.

A heady brew of Bollywood, Hollywood and the best of world cinema lies in store for the cultural enthusiasts here as the 20th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) -- India's second oldest movie fest -- is set to open Monday.

The eight-day extravaganza will see megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his celebrated family, superstar Shah Rukh Khan and a host of film personalities rev up the glam quotient at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Boasting of a rich oeuvre of 137 films from 60 countries, the fest will see 40 international delegates and 15 segments. There will be 31 Indian films, including 13 Bengali films. It will conclude Nov 17.

There are a few firsts in this edition.

For the first time, the fest turns competitive with 15 films by women directors from across the globe competing for the top jury award -- the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger trophy in the Women Directors segment. Also, this year there is no private sponsorship.

Headed by award-winning Australian filmmaker Paul Cox, the jury will comprise Iranian director Nikki Karimi and Indian filmmaker Amol Palekar and others.

The inclusion of 2014 French drama and experimental 3D film "Goodbye to Language" by renowned French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard. is set to create new benchmarks.

The focus will be on cinema from Arab nations and a special section has been earmarked as a tribute to legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, who died Jan 17 this year in Kolkata. Seven of her films will be screened as part of this.

Hollywood classics such as "Guns of Navarone", "The Sound of Music" and "Jighangsa" by Ajoy Kar will be screened at the 'Centenary Tribute' section.

For the 'Great Master' segment, seven films including "Lolita", "2001: A Space Odyssey" by American director Stanley Kubrick will be shown.

Additions include a 'Bengali Panorama' section, where five films by Bengali filmmakers will have their world premiere.

The Satyajit Ray Memorial lecture will be delivered by director Govind Nihalani and the screening locations will be spread across 12 venues. A 'Children Screening' section and 'French Classics' segments are the other highlights, apart from contemporary world films of 2013 and 2014.

The inaugural film selected is the Italian movie "Italo Barocco" by Alessia Scarso. The inaugural ceremony will be presided over by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alongwith the Bachchan clan, SRK, actress Deepika Padukone, veteran actress Tanuja and actor Irrfan Khan.

The fest will conclude with the award ceremony. Director Farah Khan and actress Rani Mukerji will be among the dignitaries present for it.

Swiss composer and pianist innovator Dominique Barthassat, who recently displayed his keyboard skills at a concert inspired by Indian musical heritage and architecture, is a huge fan of Bollywood films and says that the country's music industry is a mix of traditionalism and the contemporary.

"(I followed) the music from 'Saawariya'. The Bollywood film is something I appreciate as it is music inspired by Western themes. For me it would be a great challenge to compose a specific Sound Architecture for Bollywood films," he told IANS during a visit here.

As a pianist, Barthassat attended the Geneva Music Conservatory followed by studying computer composition techniques in Paris with the famous Greek composer Iannis Xenakis.

As a young composer, he developed his innovative concept of spatial sound and music application called the Sound Architecture. The Sound Architecture is a computer-generated sound sphere, which surrounds the spectator and the entire location of the concert.

As the creator of the Sound Architecture concept, he was invited to several forums globally. And since then, he has developed and widened his novel and creative techniques into the field of arts, culture, education, communication, environment and tourism.

Talking about Indian music, Barthassat is hugely inspired by the many phases of it and some includes emotions, rhythm and the endless possibilities of the variation of the different scales of Raga, as well as the variety of sounds of the tabla and the sarangi.

His recent performance at the India Habitat Centre was also inspired by some ragas such as Bhairav, Vibhasa, and Saranga.

Barthassat believes that the Indian music industry is an amalgamation of tradition and contemporary music and this is what attracts him a lot.

"There is a huge variety of offering between the tradition and contemporary music in India. We follow classical masters such as sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, flautist Hari Prasad Chaurasia, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, santoor exponent Shiv Kumar Sharma and, of course, Anoushka Shankar on the sitar. I like Talvin Singh among the contemporary artistes," said the musician who last performed in India in March at the closing ceremony of the Jaipur Art Festival.

Not only performances, he has other plans too for the Indian music industry.

"In 2015, I plan to publish CDs and DVDs, even of this programme in Delhi. It can be released on a large-scale thanks to a sound device called the 'Cosmic Clock - Sonic Mandala', also designed by me. They will be played on a hybrid grand piano, specially configured for the outdoors with the participation of internationally renowned Indian soloists," he said.

Versatile and critically acclaimed actor Adil Hussain is set to wield the megaphone with an Assamese film, about a man and elephant. But he doesn't like to be called a director.

"I'm thinking of making an Assamese film yes, I found a script writer. Direction is not the right word...I am collaborating with the cinematographers and other members of the team. The word 'director' carries so much of arrogance, so I don't feel like using it ...its similar to dictator," Adil told IANS.

The film is inspired by a story that the actor read 20 years ago.

"It stayed with me. I thought let's go ahead with...it (the film) needs lots of preparations and money. We luckily have the money in place, the script needs a lot of time" he said, adding that the movie will narrate a "sensitive story about an elephant and a man".

Meanwhile, the actor is busy promoting his film "Zed Plus", a socio-political satire on existing polity.

The film is an uncommon story of a common man.

Talking about the 'common man', Adil said: "Common man is a man who believes is simple life. He has the ability to support the entire society. Common man is so uncommon in so many ways. They have small dreams and small wishes in life."

"Zed Plus" also features Mona Singh, Mukesh Tiwari and Sanjay Mishra. Directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the movie will release Nov 28.

Connecting people, celebrating the cultural richness of India's north-east and looking at possibilities of developing the region are some of the objectives of the annual North East Festival, currently in its second edition.

Bridging the gap between people in the north eastern states and those in the capital is a vital motive behind the gala, said a key official.

The fest, being held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts here, began Friday. It has been giving the Delhi crowd an opportunity to taste the culture, food, art and films as well as understand the economic conditions of the states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.

The prime motto of the four-day gala is to "connect people" from the north-east to Delhi, Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser-in-chief, North East Festival, told IANS.

"There are two objectives of this festival -- one deals with connecting people. We are trying to bring the north-east closer to Delhi, and make Delhi understand our north-east.

"The second aim is celebrating life. We are trying to showcase the talent of the north-east. We are giving a platform to our local talent, who never get a chance to exhibit their craft," Mahanta said.

The festival is rightly a window into the rich culture of the north-east.

Photography and painting exhibitions, guided by Vikramjit Kakati and Bikramaditya Choudhury, add colour to the fest, and are complemented by an exhibit of cartoons.

A film festival kicked off with the screening of two films -- "Sonam" and "Raag, The Rhythm of Love".

For the fashionistas, a fashion show gave a glimpse into the heritage of the north-eastern region. Local designers like Dhiraj Deka, Garima Saikia Garg, Yana Nogba, L.D. Rosylyn Konshai, Arita Kashyap, Ephica Lyngdoh, Manhira Christina, Neikupe and Lalremsiami brought their wonderful creations alive on the stage.

A musical evening also enlivened the experience of the fest. Rocking performances by talented regional artists including Tetseo Sisters, Guru Rewben Mashangva and Bluestring Path, added to the spunk, as did a livewire performance from talented singer Zubeen Garg.

The venue was packed with not just talented people, but also an enthusiastic audience which appreciated and applauded the spectacle.

A key feature of the fest, which is themed 'Insurgence to Resurgence', is to attract investment and tourism promotion for the north-east region.

Thus, a group of panellists also discussed the possibilities of expanding the IT (information technolgy) sector.

"A lot of emphasis has been placed upon how to bring investment in the north-east. We are here to go for resurgence. Economic development, employment and IT are our objectives.

"By 'insurgence to resurgence' as our theme, we wish to say, 'Enough of negativity, let us talk about development now'. Overall, our fest is talking about connecting, celebrating and developing the north-east," he added.

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose latest album "Khamoshi Ki Aawaz" has been launched exclusively on an on-demand digital entertainment platform, says the collection is dedicated to the finest Urdu poetry and consists of the most subtle and musically sensitive work.

Known for his soulful voice and melodious numbers, Udhas also performed "Saqi Ki Har Nigah", the album's lead track at an event here earlier this week.

Talking about his latest piece of work, Udhas said in a statement: "I have dedicated this album to the finest Urdu poetry. This album consists of the most subtle and musically sensitive work I have done so far. Therefore, it will have a soothing effect on everyone."

The singer, who has crooned numbers like "Jeeyein toh jeeyein kaise" and "Na kajre ki dhaar" for Hindi films too, said his new offering has a "contemporary sound which is a rare combination of traditional poetry woven into a unique musical ensemble".

He is confident it would be loved by both the ghazal aficionados and the youth.

The album, available on Hungama.com, has ghazals of renowned Urdu poets including Mirza Ghalib, Ahmed Faraz and Parveen Shakir, with one 'Nazm' by Ajay Pandey.

That's the way he 'lakes' it! Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who has decided to help in the cleaning up of 25 lakes in Tamil Nadu in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Clean India campaign, says such efforts can only make an impact with right guidance.

While several actors of the Hindi film industry took to the broom on the streets for the Swachh Bharat campaign, Kamal announced plans that the volunteers of his 'Narpani Iyakkam' (Welfare Club) will drive the cleaning of the lakes. The announcement was made on his 60th birthday Friday.

"That's how I spent my 60th birthday on Friday. Cleaning the lakes, which is a good beginning, I think, for a cleaner country. We've got environmentalist Arun Krishnamurthy on board to help us with the campaign," Kamal Haasan said.

"There is no point in doing anything randomly for the environment. For any such campaign to make an impact on the environment, we need proper guidance," said the superstar, who discourages his fans from celebrating his birthday in a pompous way.

He has even reached out to his fans to drive the campaign.

"I've told my fan clubs to do whatever they can in the way of social causes. Beyond that, I strictly forbid them from celebrating my birthday with cakes and singing. At 60, even your fans need to sober down," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the national and international delegates and cinema buffs to enjoy the varied offerings at the 20th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) -- India's second oldest movie fest -- set to open Monday.

The eight-day extravaganza kicks off with a stellar opening ceremony where megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his celebrated family, superstar Shah Rukh Khan and a host of film personalities will rev up the glam quotient at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Boasting of a rich oeuvre of 137 films from 60 countries, the fest will see 40 international delegates and 15 segments. There will be 31 Indian films, including 13 Bengali films. It will conclude Nov 17.

"In a few hours from now, the much-awaited 20th edition of Kolkata International Film Festival will be inaugurated. I welcome all international and national delegates and film lovers to our beautiful city," Banerjee posted on her official Facebook page Monday.

For the first time, the fest turns competitive with 15 films by women directors from across the globe vying for the top jury award -- the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy in the women directors segment. Also, this year there is no private sponsorship.

Headed by award-winning Australian filmmaker Paul Cox, the jury will comprise Iranian director Nikki Karimi and Indian filmmaker Amol Palekar and others.

"Amitabh-ji will inaugurate the festival. Shah Rukh Khan - our Brand Ambassador, and special guests Jaya-ji, Abhishek, Aishwariya, Deepika, Tanuja, Irfan Khan, Paul Cox - Australian film maker, along with many important national and international delegates will be present," she said.

Banerjee also wished them a "very happy stay in Kolkata and enjoying the spectacular celebration of cinema. My best wishes also to my film enthusiast brothers and sisters. Hope you would also enjoy the Film Festival".

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan Monday complimented Indian sportsmen on their recent stellar performances in hockey and cricket.

"India beat world champions Australia in hockey series tie...India beat Sri Lanka in Cricket series...you bring glory to country," the star tweeted Monday.

The Indian men's hockey team delivered a fantastic performance, winning their third successive match, to defeat World Champions Australia 3-1 and clinch the four-match Test series 3-1 at the Perth Hockey Stadium Sunday.

On the same day, a superb all-round performance helped India cruise to a six-wicket win in the third One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka. India clinched the five-match series 3-0 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Bachchan is in the city for the filming of Shoojit Sircar's "Piku" with co-stars Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan.

He will be attending the inaugural ceremony of the 20th Kolkata International Film Festival Monday with his celebrated family.

"And tomorrow another early day on 'PIKU', and then the inauguration of the KIFF, international film festival .. family coming in too," Big B tweeted Sunday.

The Supreme Court Monday struck down the provision that prohibited women make-up artists and hairdressers from becoming the members of professional associations. This provision prohibited women from becoming make-up artists and hairdressers in the film industry.

The apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra also struck down the provision of the make-up artists and hairdressers association that mandated a person to be a resident of a particular place for five years to entitle him/her to become member of the association.

The court order came on a petition by woman make-up artist Charu Khurana who had challenged these two clauses of the association as being discriminatory to women.

Gurinder Chadha's iconic feisty film on female football "Bend It Like Beckham" is ready to hit the British stage with loads of Bollywood styled songs and dances. The British film director of Sikh origin is truly upbeat and says 'desis' everywhere would be proud.

Though the play opens in London May 15, 2015, tickets for the first show went on sale Nov 7.

"This is a proud moment for desis everywhere. We will have our own Punjabi British musical adorning the West End. A story celebrating and sung in our own words of the last 50 years of our history in Britain. When that 'dhol' starts, I imagine everyone's shoulders will start moving up and down regardless of nationality," Chadha said.

She says adapting the film to the stage was not easy, but definitely great fun.

"Developing 'Bend It Like Beckham' for the stage has been the most enjoyable creative process of my career so far. It was always my intention to build on the film and to present its themes and storylines to live audiences in an exciting new dynamic way," said the filmmaker, who is also known for movies like "Bhaji On The Beach" and "Bride and Prejudice".

Chadha says she has been inspired by musicals ever since she was a little girl.

"Now with 'Bend It like Beckham', such a familiar story to so many, I believe we are presenting a totally new kind of musical -- part West End, part London Punjabi, but whole-heartedly British.

"I'm very excited for us to take our place with so many inspirational musicals past and present in my hometown London," she added.

Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, who is currently busy promoting "Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain", will be making his Telugu debut in Ravi Teja-starrer action-comedy "Kick 2".

"Just landed to land of Tollywood for my upcoming Telugu film Kick 2 (sic)," Yadav tweeted Monday.

"Kick 2", which is being directed by Surender Reddy, is an extension of the filmmaker's own "Kick".

Ravi Teja will be essaying the role of father and son in the film, which is currently on the floors.

The film, which is produced by actor Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, features Rakul Preet Singh as the female lead.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor has signed internationally popular supermodel Ujjwala Raut as the brand ambassador of his kitchen appliances label Wonderchef.

The brand is also coming up with a new advertising and marketing campaign with Sonali to promote healthy and stylish cooking.

Wonderchef will first launch the digital campaign to promote its brand, investing upwards of Rs.3 crore, which will be followed by print and TV campaigns.

Speaking about her integration with the brand, Ujjwala said: "It’s a pleasure to be associated with a brand as premium as Wonderchef. I enjoy cooking and so, I know the pleasure of having good cookware and appliances. Wonderchef becomes a natural partner to me.”

The supermodel has walked the ramp for several known designers and brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Dolce and Gabbana, Betsey Johnson and Gucci. She is associated with various brands, fashion houses and events in India as well.

Describing West Bengal as the epitome of natural beauty with its picturesque landscape and beautiful people, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday urged the global film fraternity to use the locales for their films.

Perhaps taking a leaf out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day 'Make In India' speech, Banerjee - speaking at the 20th Kolkata International Film Festival opening ceremony - projected her state as a potential destination for shooting movies from across the world.

"I urge filmmakers from Hollywood and Bollywood to come and shoot their films in Bengal - the cultural capital of the world. From beautiful sea beaches to hills and picturesque landscapes and of course the beautiful people, Bengal is the right destination for you all," she said.

"Much like the beaches in Goa, we have three new beaches in Bhor Sagar, Dheu Sagar and Roop Sagar," said Banerjee about the beaches in Sagar Island in the Ganges delta which have been christened by her.

The fest was attended by the who's who of film world including the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and his family, Shah Rukh Khan, yesteryear actresses Tanuja and Moushumi Chatterjee and Australian film maker Paul Cox among the foreign dignitaries.

Enumerating several social security schemes initiated by her government for film technicians, Banerjee also harped on the two upcoming film cities at Baruipur of South 24 Parganas district and Siliguri in Darjeeling district.

Thanking personally all the stars for their presence, she urged the Bachchan family to keep coming to the city every year.

"Amitji, I am grateful to you and your family for gracing the occasion but don't think it is enough that you have come here this year. You will have to come here every year along with your full family," said Banerjee.

Banerjee also said she will visits the sets of "Piku" - Amitabh's upcoming movie for which he has been shooting in the city.

All keyed up for being present at the opening of the 20th Kolkata International film festival, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan Monday urged Australian filmmaker Paul Cox and other international dignitaries to relish the experiences that Kolkata has to offer, including the variety of sweets.

Addressing a star-studded audience at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here, SRK spoke in a decent smattering of Bengali, in keeping with his promise last year.

"I had promised last year that I would speak in Bengali this time... ami Bangla e kotha bole khub anondito (I am very happy to speak in Bengali). Jodi kono bhool hoye thaake amake khome korben (forgive me if I make any mistakes)," he said to thunderous applause and series of spirited whistling at the inauguration.

SRK, the brand ambassador of Bengal and one of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's key go-to-guy for inaugurating mega-scale events, regaled the audiences in his usual suave and sleek style.

This was his fourth opening ceremony of the KIFF which was graced by Australian filmmaker Cox and a host of foreign delegates.

Acknowledging Kolkata's joie-de-vivre as the "greatest celebration of life", he egged on Cox and others to try out the sweets like rosogolla, and chomchom before they leave the city.

"I request Paul Cox and the others... don't leave Kolkata without trying the rosogolla, chomchom etc.," he said, leaving the spectators delirious.

He reiterated the same in Bengali as a seemingly awestruck Cox looked on.

Shah Rukh also stressed the importance of cinema in bringing people together in a fast-changing world.

"Social networking, for example, allows you to interact with others without really interacting with others. This is why cinema matters, because it brings people together in a single experience of life to which they relate collectively," he said.

And dedicating the KIFF to the "honest efforts of all involved", the actor said " there ought to be a feeling of celebration and happiness, a sharing of India, of life and its experiences" at the film fest.

In a splendid show of Bollywood camaraderie and the mingling of politicians and celebrities, the 20th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) -- India's second oldest movie fest - was inaugurated here Monday by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

It was light, camera and action at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here, where an awed audience watched the stars descend and also saw the Indian screen giants raise a toast to the cinema buffs, in Bengali, for their sheer interest in films and love for the film personalities.

Draped in uttariyas (stoles) gifted by Banerjee, the Bachchan clan comprising Amitabh, his wife and veteran actress Jaya, son and actor Abhishek and actress-daughter-in-law Aishwarya, seated on the dais, set the evening on fire with their oomph, charisma and reiteration of their links to Bengal.

Strains of light classical music by percussionist Bickram Ghosh, classical music vocalist Rashid Khan and singer Usha Uthup set the tune for the magical evening as Big B and SRK hugged each other briefly.

Indian filmmakers Amol Palekar and Shoojit Sircar graced the occasion with a host of Bengali film actors.

Looking suave in black tuxedos, Big B and SRK were assisted by the thali girl, actress Raima Sen in a bright red sari, as they lit the ceremonial lamp with Banerjee.

Thunderous applause went up as Aishwarya and Jaya followed suit.

A regular fixture in big events of the state government, Shah Rukh, also the state's brand ambassador, was greeted with loud cheers as he urged international delegates to try the variety of sweets from Bengal.

Attired in gold and black, Aishwarya, the former beauty queen launched the official brochure while veteran actress Tanuja and Jaya released a music CD of Bengali music.

Jaya, in a sophisticated white-beige sari, said she was delighted to be there with the rest of the family and wished grand-daughter Aaradhya would join them one day on the same stage.

"It has become a family event for us," she said.

Both Tanuja and Jaya, acknowledged that the Bengali audience is "the best in the world" while a very sporting Aishwarya congratulated the orchestra on their rousing performance and thanked the chief minister in broken Bengali.

"Amader poribarer proti apnader ashirvad bhlaobashar jonyo onek onek dhonyobaad (thank you for the love and affection that you have showered on our family)," said Aishwarya.

Among the international delegates, award-winning Australian filmmaker Paul Cox was present to witness the spectacle that he compared to a soccer event.

"I thought I was in a soccer field," observed Cox, who was astounded at the size and scale of the ceremony.

"When you see a film on the big screen you realise the true power of the cinema," he noted.

Cox is part of the jury that decides the winner of KIFF's maiden competitive segment- the best international women directors.

Actor Irrfan Khan hoped the film festival "would inspire the new generation to find their own voice and engage an universal audience".

"I think I should change my name to 'Dhhonyobad' (thank you in Bengali)," said Irrfan, triggerring delirious roars from the spectators when he uttered a few words in Bengali.

SRK, who had at last year's opening gala promised to talk in Bengali, did so spiritedly and with full gusto.

Present for the fourth opening ceremony, the superstar remarked the event gets "bigger, better, flamboyant and more vibrant" each year.

After SRK's stress on the role of Indian cinema in uniting people in a technology-driven world, Big B's thought-provoking speech on the changing role of women in society, mirrored in cinema, perfectly rounded off the evening.

Banerjee on her part expressed her desire to transform the regional film industry into a world-class facility and bring Hollywood, Bollywood and world cinema to Kolkata.

Boasting of a rich oeuvre of 137 films from 60 countries, the fest will see 40 international delegates and 15 segments. There will be 31 Indian films, including 13 Bengali films. It concludes Nov 17.