There is hardly any part of Mahatma Gandhi's life that hasn't been dissected by historians or hasn't been written about. So when veteran theatre director Bhanu Bharti chose to bring the last, lonely days of the life of the apostle of non-violence on stage with his new play "Bapu", one wondered what new aspect he would be playing with.

The hour-long monologue transported the audience to 1946 when the Cabinet Mission was formed to discuss and plan the transfer of power from the British government to the Indian leadership. And it was the same time when Gandhi first faced alienation from his close aides and Congress leaders Jawaharlal Nehru and Abdul Kalam Azad.

Perfectly essaying the role of Gandhi is TV personality and theatre actor Sunit Tandon, whose lanky and lean structure, clad in a crisp white dhoti and a duppata was fine-tuned by excellent make-up.

The look connected with the audience and so did his absorbed acting.

As the play began, a pained Gandhi (Tandon) expressed his displeasure over the Congress not consulting him while going ahead with the Cabinet Mission talks.

"People ask me about the wounds and cracks on my feet but what about those wounds that have been inflicted in my soul?" he asked disappointed.

It is a known fact that Gandhi never favoured Partition and that his rules of non-violence and ahimsa were not followed by the Congress leaders, who along with the All India Muslim League, were busy charting a road map for freedom.

As an independent and also unified India was difficult to achieve - something Gandhi desired - Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Muslim League had already envisioned a safe haven, Pakistan, for Muslims.

"Why have you started to hide a lot of things from me," Gandhi asks Maulana Azad in the play.

"I could see the seeds of Partition in the Cabinet Mission meetings, yet you Maulana, wrote to them secretly," he asked, adding that it was "my failure I couldn't arouse the feeling of truth in you people".

As the play moves on, the conversation shifts to Nehru and Gandhi also questions his commitment to non-violence and truth. And as all of Gandhi's fears came true with India's division into two nations, the "father of the nation" felt betrayed by his "own" people.

"You went against me, and thought I was stoic," he said.

"All the League was bothered about was Muslims, but wasn't it a duty of Congress to support own people, own Hindus and own Muslims," he questioned.

With all these contemplations in lonely, weak and angry moments, the play highlights the personal struggles of Gandhi who spent his last days in utter loneliness.

It turned out to be a window of pent up emotions about what he felt angry about, and how he wished the virtues of truth and non-violence were followed during Partition. These are what form important ingredients of the play.

Unfortunately, the slow pace tends to distract the audience.

The play can be watched at Sriram Centre Auditorium in Delhi till Thursday.

The electoral code of conduct is the biggest hurdle to any development, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar opined Wednesday.

Parrikar was speaking during the inauguration of the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji.

"The code of conduct is the biggest obstacle to any development," Parrikar said, while promising a permanent venue for the IFFI for 2014.

Parrikar said that he would deliver his promise by next year, despite the intervening 2014 general elections and the code of conduct regulations which accompany the poll processes.

Parrikar also said that the new permanent structure, to come up near Miramar, an adjoining capital suburb, would be "Goa's gift to the film festival".

The IFFI is an 11-day event, which got underway Wednesday.

The opening film of the festival is Jiri Menzel's Czech comedy film 'Don Juans'.

The Delhi Tourism pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) was Wednesday transformed into a film set with actors dancing and a camera on roll in a bid to promote Delhi as a film shooting destination.

"Delhi has several places whether it be historical monuments, modern infrastructure and scenic beauty. So this re-creation here is to promote Delhi as a film shooting destination," Surya Kant, manager at Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation Ltd, told IANS.

Delhi Tourism has also released a "film shooting manual" that will give filmmakers an insight about places, government rules and guidelines that one has to observe while seeking permission to shoot in the capital.

"We have also started a film shooting facilitation cell in which we will address queries and provide help to complete the formalities for the shooting," added Kant.

The 33rd IITF that began Nov 14 will go on till Nov 27 at Pragati Maidan here.

Telugu film industry will soon be adopting immersive audio technology Auro 11.1 by Barco sound, to give a new experience to the moviegoers.

'Race Gurram' will be the first Telugu movie to adopt the next-generation three-layer sound technology from Auro Technologies, powered by digital cinema pioneer Barco.

The movie being produced by Nallamalupu Bujji and directed by Surender Reddy stars Allu Arjun and Shruti Haasan.

About 100 cinema theatres in Andhra Pradesh will adopt the latest audio technology by the end of this year. This was announced by Suresh Babu, managing director, Suresh Productions at a joint press conference with Wilfried Van Baelen, inventor of the Auro-3D® format and CEO of Auro Technologies.

Ramanaidu Studios, Two post production and mixing facilities and Suresh Productions will install the certified Auro-3D® Studio System. Two studios owned by Ramanaidu Studios will incorporate the new technology.

Suresh Productions, a subsidiary of Ramanaidu Studios is one of India's largest film production companies.

Suresh Babu said 40 to 50 films every year would be made with Auro technology, which offers a completely new audio and visual experience to the audience.

Some films in Tamil and Malayalam were already produced with Auro 11.1. Worldwide 50 films, including some Hollywood films, were made with the technology, described as next big step in audio by Van Baelen.

It offers audiences an enthralling immersive sound experience by reproducing sound on three axes with three layers of sound which create a natural spread of acoustic energy. With ambient sounds coming from all around and above, moviegoers hear the most true-to-life reproduction of sound, creating the most immersive experience as if they are part of the action on screen, he explained.

Belgium-based Auro Technologies offers sound reproduction capabilities to the professional, automotive, broadcast and consumer electronics markets.

Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualisation products for a variety of markets.

Actress Deepika Padukone, who has been delivering back-to-back successful films in 2013, says the biggest compliment she ever got for her latest film "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela" was from filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

"The biggest compliment which I got for 'Ram-leela' was from Shekhar Kapur. I received a message from him which says that I have added so many layers to Leela that even Shakespeare didn't think while writing for Juliet. For me, that's the big compliment," Deepika told IANS.

Her first big hit of the year was "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" and “Chennai Express” followed it. With "Raam-leela", Deepika has scored a hattrick and she says she is enjoying every moment of it.

"All I can say is I am thankful to God and I am enjoying every moment of it. It is very overwhelming for me that 'Ram-leela' is doing so well. It's a perfect combination of what I ideally want for all my films, being crtically acclaimed as well as doing well at the box office," she said.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "Ram-leela" which released last Friday also featured Ranveer Singh.

American designer Kenneth Cole, who was in India for the debut amfAR gala and for his store opening in the capital, believes the country attracts him with its mix of social culture and progressive thinking. Also, if given a chance, he would love to style Bollywood's Bachchan family.

"I think you have a very social culture. You are very progressive in your thinking, you have the traditional mindset, which is western and progressive as well. It's such a wonderful culture and the Indian storytelling is very different," Cole told IANS.

The amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) gala was held here Nov 17 in the presence of names like actors Sharon Stone and Hilary Swank and singer Kesha. It was co-hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and his wife Aishwarya Rai.

Before the fundraiser, Cole had launched his store in Delhi.

In a tete-a-tete with IANS here, Cole spoke about his association with the Foundation for AIDS Research, of which he is chairman. He also opened up about his business plans here and how he balances his worlds as a designer and social worker.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. As amfAR chairman, what does it mean to bring the fundraising gala to India for the first time?

A. It's a big deal for us to be here...we are here to make an impact and many of our friends have helped us to be here and navigate an event here.

Q. What are the reasons that make India (or Mumbai) conducive for an event like the amfAR gala?

A. India is a perfect place because we can have an impact on a community which has lived through a very difficult time, has seen many of the citizens lose their loved ones. So, I do believe we can somehow engage and can make an even bigger difference.

Q. What are the business plans of the brand, Kenneth Cole Productions, in India?

A. In the next three years, another 15 or more stores should open here. That's the plan. I am so excited about the business opportunity.

Q. What makes India an attractive location for your designer wear?

A. I think you have a very social culture. You are very progressive in your thinking, you have the traditional mindset, which is western and progressive as well. It's such a wonderful culture and the Indian storytelling is very different. The music here is infectious; it's such a wonderful energy.

Q. Any Indians that you'd like to style?

A. I would love to style the Bachchans. It would be a privilege if I even get an opportunity to design for Aishwarya.

Q. India has a burgeoning number of actors and designers. Beyond their talent, what power do you think celebrities possess to bring about a change in society and to give a fillip to social causes?

A. It makes a big difference because people are inspired by them. Their coming together will certainly make a difference.

Q. How do you balance your world as a fashion designer and a social activist?

A. As a designer, I have always believed that I needed to talk to people, and not just developing of what they are aware of, and somewhere I try to connect with them in a more emotional level. In 1985, I started to do AIDS campaign and by now, my business has also changed and it's a big part of what I have done in 30 years. It's amazingly gratifying, which is why I am here too. This is a big part of who I am.

Bollywood celeberities like Preity Zinta and Swara Bhaskar are of the opinion that women face uncertainty and fear, they are harassed all the time and that the entertainment capital of India, which has reportedly recorded a sharp rise in rape and molestation cases in 2013 as compared to the previous year, is no more safe for them.

Here is what the celebs have to say about safety of women in the Maximum City:

Preity Zinta: We need to look for remedial solutions to the horrendous atmosphere of uncertainty and fear that women have to face. Otherwise we will become more and more self-centred. We'll react to a crime only when it happens in our home. In five years, there will be 500 others awful crimes against women, one more gruesome than the other. Are we supposed to just give up and only hope that those close to us don't get affected? Or are we supposed to hold candel light vigilance after every such incident and then return to our normal lives? I am really quite lost on this issue now. I don't know what to do. Let the safety of woman be a state issue. It's time to bring changes in governance. What we are witnessing is the death of the system. Only a miracle can revive it.

Swara Bhaskar: Do I feel safe in Mumbai? Yes and no. Yes, because it is easy to get around and commuting is easy at any time of the day or night. And no, because I've been molested and harassed more than once in Mumbai. Very honestly, Mumbai is as unsafe the rest of India. If you are a girl you've got to learn how to deal with it from a young age.

Sophie Chowdhary: When I moved from London to Mumbai with my mum, we were convinced Mumbai is one of the safest cities in the world for a girl. Not anymore. The crimes against women in this country have become horrific. The fact that there is scant respect for law and order means women are seen as soft targets. When I bought a home, my main concern was security. But at the end of the day whom can we be safe with, who's to be trusted? There are ghastly stories of women being attacked by watchmen and by their own house-help.If you are single and a girl you have to be on your guard constantly, and that's awful.

Richa Chadda: Though Mumbai was until recently considered the safest city for women, I have to confess I don't feel safe all the time. But then, do I feel safe in any other city? That's the question.

Amrita Rao: The city is not safe at all for any working woman who steps out of her home. When I am shooting, we have bodyguards to protect us from unwanted attention. But there are days when I want to hang out with gal pals. And we don't know where we can go without guys ogling, jostling, staring and making us uncomfortable. We certainly feel unsafe in the city. Recently, I happened to raise my voice against a woman being thrashed by a rickshaw driver. A lot of injustice happens to women in this country between midnight and 5 a.m.

Sonal Chauhan: Safe in Mumbai? Not at all! We hear of a rape incident every second day. Every girl whether living with family or alone has to worry about what dangers lurk for her when she steps out and when she gets home. We aren't safe anywhere.

Minissha Lamba: It's a tricky question. I feel safer in Mumbai than I do in any city in India. Still, one can never be too careful.

Tannishtha Chatterjee: I feel less safe than I did five years back.

Shilpa Shukla: I feel safe where I am and wherever I go.

Tapsee Pannu: I don't feel unsafe in Mumbai."

Saif Ali Khan who plays gangster Raja Mishra in the forthcoming film "Bullett Raja," says he always wanted to play such a character.

"After many years, I got this chance to play a character which is very different from me. I always wanted to play a gangster," the 43-year-old said here Wednesday at a promotional event of the film.

Saif says the Tigmanshu Dhulia-directorial, premised on a fictional mafia based in Uttar Pradesh, is neither vulgar nor violent. But it is fully entertaining.

"Tishuji (Tigmanshu) has tried to make each scene an item. There is action in the film but not violence, there is comedy but not vulgarity. So it is a good action drama set in the background of Uttar Pradesh. I'm very glad I could be part of it," Saif said.

Set in Lucknow, "Bullett Raja" also stars Jimmy Shergill and Sonakshi Sinha. It hits theatres Nov 29.

Filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, who has donned the director's hat for "Jackpot" 10 years after his "Boom", believes the industry has changed and says had "Boom" released now, it would have been received well.

"Several people have told me and I genuinely feel that had 'Boom' released now, it would have been received will by the audience," Gustad told IANS.

"It's been 10 years since 'Boom' and the industry has drastically changed and audience has started accepting different kind of cinema. This is the best time for filmmakers," he added.

"Boom" featured an ensemble star cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Zeenat Aman and Katrina Kaif. It failed at the box office.

Having introduced Katrina in Bollywood, the filmmaker wants to work with her again.

"She has come a long way. I have not spoken to her for a long time, but let's see what's there in destiny. I would like to work with her again, why not," he asked.

Gustad is now busy promoting "Jackpot", which star Sachiin Joshi and Sunny Leone.

"Contemporary black-and-white cinema...why not?" exclaim a clutch of international filmmakers who have opted to make their feature film debuts with black-and-white cinema that exquisitely weaves in light and shadow effects to create magic from monochrome.

Brazil's Eduardo Nunes and Poland's Rafael Stemplewski's maiden productions had their Indian premiere recently as part of the 'Shades of Black and White' segment of the just-concluded 19th Kolkata International Film Festival. Both had to field the curiosity of audiences about the restricted palette.

"Some said why not colour as it was a fairy tale. Others appreciated it. I had to make my first film and the decision was not whether it would be great to do something different in black-and-white...I just did it as I felt it would be better that way," Stemplewski told IANS here.

His film "Dendrologium"(2013), co-directed with Amin Azam, sees the character 'The Searcher' on his journey around the world trying to discover the myth about the secret of the Sweet Fruit, while Nunes's "Southwest" (2011) revolves around the life of protagonist Clarice, which lasts for a single day.

"Why not black and white...it is just a medium of expression," Nunes told IANS.

The pull-factor towards monochrome for Stemplewski was an "artistic decision" and had nothing to do with giving it an aged look.

"It created a certain kind of atmosphere and we didn't want to disrupt this atmosphere. We always wanted to create a unique climate and black-and-white just fitted the story."

Moreover, Nunes felt the lack of colour creates a "distance from reality" for the audiences, thereby pulling them closer to the film's content.

"The film shows South American magical realism and we believed if we shot a film in black and white it would create a distance from reality, so we can tell the audience it was not real...so the option was to create a dream-like state."

Reputed Polish filmmaker Joanna Kos-Krauze, who made "Papusza" with husband and co-director Krzysztof Krauze, agreed. But she noted that for them, the lack of colour also heightened the sense of the film as a "historical fresco."

"Our film is a like a visual poem and so the blacks, whites and grays gave that impression of a different era," Kos-Krauze told IANS.

"Papusza" (2013) is a biographical piece on Romany poet Bronislawa Wajs (1908-1987), known as Papusza. She is hailed as Poland's first gypsy poet.

Kos-Krauze and her husband have chronicled Wajs' life through century-old photographs and other images, thereby giving it a "period look".

"We used the latest (digital) technology...red epics...we used photographs almost a century old and the rest we added during post-production. There were no close-ups... that was the hardest decision."

Another challenge, for Nunes, was to create depth by using the varying textures of the props employed.

"For example, my costume designer had to utilise the different textures of the textiles used to show the contrasts," explained Nunes for whom the experience was costlier. His next venture will be in colour.

"It did not have good distribution because some people did not want to sell a black and white film. It's a hard decision making a black-and-white film."

For actress Katia O' Wallis, who has starred in the critically acclaimed black-and-white production "Big Hit" directed by noted Greek filmmaker Karolos Zonaras, the "journey was enriching".

"The concentration is more on the acting in such movies," said O' Wallis, who is of French origin and has starred in several Greek films.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says filmmaker Shoojit Sircar's next might feature actress Parineeti Chopra and actor par excellence Irfaan.

“Oh! And Shoojit Sircar has given me his script to read and that is also up for a shoot early next year and has hopefully Parineeti and Irfaan in it,” the 71-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

Sircar had earlier worked with Amitabh in “Shoebite”, which is yet to be released. Currently, he is busy with Running Shaadi.com, which is also being produced under his banner.

Meanwhile Big B is also geared up for the finale episode of the seventh season of TV game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) that will end in the first week of December and has urged the audiences not to miss it.

“And lastly and most importantly... Please Please do not miss the last finale episode of KBC...think its on Dec 1...,” he posted.

To be aired on Sony, the final episode of this season will be a grand affair with Big B making his way in a double role; as a host and as an aam aadmi (common man).

Dressed in a dhoti-kurta, with a gamcha tied on his head and sporting cool sunglasses, Big B the host will then introduce everyone to “Lallan bhaiya”.

The megastar will reveal that “Lallan bhaiya” is the aam aadmi of our nation, who was there to experience the hot seat.

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia, known for making serious movies, is entering the commercial zone with "Bullett Raja" and claims that he can change the face of commercial cinema that will be a lot more aesthetic.

"This is the first time I am attempting such a movie. Masala is a very derogatory word. I would like to say that yes, I have made films like 'Paan Singh Tomar', 'Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster'. But when a director like me makes a commercial film, we can change the face of commercial cinema," Dhulia said here Wednesday at a promotional event of the film.

"We will give commercial cinema more value and they will be better aesthetically. Then they will not be called formula films," he added.

A gangster film based in Lucknow, "Bullett Raja" stars Saif Ali Khan and Sonakshi Sinha and Jimmy Shergill in the lead roles. It hits theatres Nov 29.

Model-actress Bruna Abdullah, known for her steamy scenes in adult comedy "Grand Masti", is winning appreciation for her chemistry with boyfriend Omar Farooque in the celebrity couple dance reality show "Nach Baliye 6". She says it's not fabricated.

"For us, it (chemistry) is very natural. We don't have to act because we have been together, so it is not really difficult to portray that (sensuous) chemistry," Bruna told reporters on the set of the show.

"But Omar is very shy, so we are working on it," she added.

"Nach Baliye 6", which went on air Nov 9 on Star Plus with a tagline 'Hadd Se Badhega Romance", is being judged by actress Shilpa Shetty, director Sajid Khan and choreographer Terence Lewis.

Other contesting jodis on the show include, Raqesh Vashisth-Riddhi Dogra, Rithvik Dhanjani-Asha Negi, comedians Kiku Sharda and Raju Srivastav with their respective wives, 'Mastarchef Season 2' winner Ripudaman Handa and handicapped break dancer Vinod Thakur.

When asked, is it okay to do such bold acts on TV, she said: "After 'Grand Masti', nothing is bold."

Ghazal singer Talat Aziz, who is making his debut as a radio host with "Carvaan-E-Ghazal", says the space is dominated by Bollywood music and he hopes his show brings in a whiff of fresh air.

His radio show will go on air on 92.7 BIG FM Sunday.

"Radio channels have been dominated by Bollywood music and this is a bold step by the team to introduce an exclusive ghazal show," Aziz said in a statement Thursday.

"Carvaan-E-Ghazal" will offer listeners a chance to appreciate beautiful ghazals, qawwalis, sufi music and unheard-of stories behind them.

Through the show, Talat Aziz will play specially chosen ghazals and share a treasure trove of anecdotes and trivia from his own life and the music fraternity.

The show will also invite celebrated artist from the music industry for special episodes.

Aziz launched the show in the presence of his friends and fellow ghazal singers Anoop Jalota and Pankaj Udhas, who will feature as guests on the show.

"We are sure this attempt will be well-received by all music lovers," added Aziz, whose first album titled Jagjit Singh presents Talat Aziz was released in 1979.

The ghazal maestros also performed a small jugalbandi at the event.

Imagine wearing a watch inspired by the body of an electric guitar or one which draws inspiration from a metal drum kit -- watch brand Fastrack has launched an innovative Metalhead Collection, based on adrenaline-pumping musical genre, heavy metal.

It is a range of "anti-fashion watches with chunky distressed looks", said a statement.

The collection comprises eight designs for boys and five choices for girls. Each watch is available in two looks, a silver antique finish and a brass antique finish.

The watches are available at price tags from Rs.1,495 to Rs.4,495.

Jimmy Shergill, who has been part of many Tigmanshu Dhulia films, is thankful to the director for thinking of him everytime he had something different.

Be it "Haasil" or "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster" series or the forthcoming film "Bullett Raja", Dhulia presented Jimmy in various avatars in his movies.

"I am very thankful to Tigmanshu for always thinking of me whenever there's something wherein I can do something. I am really, really thankful to him for supporting me everytime," the 42-year-old said here Wednesday at a "Bullett Raja" event.

Jimmy, who plays Rudra, Saif Ali Khan's friend, in the film, said the film is not just an actioner.

"Someone asked me recently in an interview that film looks quite dangerous because you all can be seen only firing guns. I said that the promos show just that, but there is also an entertaining side to it," Jimmy said.

"Bullett Raja" also stars Sonakshi Sinha and hits theatres Nov 28.

Movie business is hard on women, according to Academy award winning actress Susan Sarandon who plans to keep working in films until she stops enjoying it.

Sarandon was speaking at a press conference organised on the sidelines of the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here.

"The business is hard on women," the 67-year-old said, responding to a question about the difficulties faced by aging actresses in Hollywood.

Hollywood, she said, was not apolitical but people lose jobs not because of their political affiliations but because they get either "old and fat".

She was also all praise for Indian cinema legend Waheeda Rehman, who she said was stunningly beautiful and still did films despite her age.

Sarandon, who formally inaugurated the festival Wednesday, also said that she plans to act till she enjoys it.

Actor-director Makrand Deshpande is all set to introduce Amjad Khan's daughter Ahlam in his film "Miss Sundari", a big screen adaptation of his play "Miss Beautiful".

"My play 'Miss Beautiful' is being converted into a film and Ahlam played her part really well in the play, so I couldn't think of anyone else...I don't know whether she is interested in pursuing her career with films as she has been attached to theatre for a long time," Makrand told IANS.

Made in Hindi, Makrand, however, says it's not a commercial movie.

"I have written, directed and produced the film. The film is ready and we are releasing it by March 2014. It's not a commercial film. It's a very niche and independent film. It's made on a very small budget," he said.

Ahlam has recently delivered a baby but Makrand says she may promote the film.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is impressed with Sachin Tendulkar's speech at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai last week and says the legend has set an example for generations to come.

Mohanlal, who took to his blog to express his views on the speech and posted a write up titled "An enlightening Swan song at Wankhede", missed the speech on Nov 16 due to work commitments.

"I read it the next day and it came to light that just like the beginning, the ending is also very important," wrote Mohanlal, known for memorable films like "Vanaprastham", "Bharatham", "Manichithra Thaazhu", "Chithram" and "Kireetam".

"What he spoke is just not limited to one profession, as there is a lot to learn for professionals from diverse sectors," he wrote.

Soon after Tendulkar finished playing his last match, the government announced the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the country, for the 40-year-old.

Tendulkar dedicated it to all the mothers in India - and especially his own mother Rajni Tendulkar.

Mohanlal says that those who dump their parents should learn a lesson from Tendulkar and realise that there's no success without a mother's blessing.

"His speech should now be taught in schools as this will be a morale booster for the children," wrote the superstar.

Be it the beautiful Ladakh in "3 Idiots" or the serene Kasauli in "Krrish", "Filmi Escapes - Travel With The Movies" will show India as seen through the eyes of filmmakers who have presented beautiful locations to the viewers through their craft.

Travel expert Lonely Planet's new travel guide revisits these cities, towns, hills, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, historic forts, palaces, temples and more, made memorable via cinematic moments over the years.

Specialised information on hotels, transport, food and sightseeing accompanied by interesting trivia, anecdotes and images have also been incorporated in it.

"Over the years, travellers in India have evolved seeking more informed and fascinating travel experiences. With this launch, we are hoping to tap into the most talked about and cherished topic in the country - Indian cinema," Daniel Houghton, chief operating officer, Lonely Planet, said in a statement.

"The reach of Indian cinema is phenomenal, with a great influence over many international travellers as well. With this launch and many other interesting launches in the pipeline, we hope to reach out to Indian travellers across demographics and geographies," Houghton added.

"Filmi Escapes" lists the must-see sights and experiences of over 20 domestic destinations like Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Shimla, Kasauli, Nainital, Amritsar, Kashmir, Ladakh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Mumbai, the Western Ghats, Goa, Gujarat, Kolkata, Darjeeling and Ooty.

It also includes interviews of well known film personalities such as Karan Johar, Mahesh Bhatt, Dibakar Banerjee, Nargis Fakhri, Muzaffar Ali, Raima Sen and more, sharing their favourite destinations and films.

Talking about the influence of Indian cinema on travel, Sesh Seshadri, director, Lonely Planet India, said: "Cinema has always proved to be a great influence on the Indian society in every manner. Movies have familiarized us with our own country, often inspiring us to travel to locations where they have been shot."

According to Seshadri, research indicates that over 60 percent of Indian travellers are influenced by Indian cinema, aspiring to travel to specific locations shown in the movies.

"With us celebrating the 100 years of Indian cinema, it's the ideal time to present to India the first ever travel guide on their favourite film locations," he added.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who has explored different locales through his movies, launched the guide in Mumbai.

“I have always loved to travel - both in personal time and in movies. I love exploring different locales and cultures. Be it Goa in 'Socha Na Tha', Shimla and Manali in 'Jab We Met', London and San Francisco in 'Love Aaj Kal' or Delhi, Prague and Verona in 'Rockstar', I have always tried to bring beautiful locales, colourful cities and unique cultures to my films," he said.

The 344-page guide is priced at Rs.595.