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IFF2011: Bollywood & Beyond Breaks World Record for WORLD’S LARGEST BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASS in Melbourne, Australia.

The Indian Film Festival 2011: Bollywood & Beyond, supported by Moomba and Shiamak Davar International, sensationally broke the world record for “World’s Largest Bollywood Dance Class”, previously held by Singapore.

Cheered on by thousands of revellers from all over the world, and from all walks of life, the huge crowd danced Australia into the record books to the chart busting hit ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’, led by Munni herself, Malaika Arora Khan.  “The most sensational record I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed the official from The Guinness Book of Records as dancers, film stars, volunteers and festival staff alike all exploded in celebration.

With just over a week to go, celebrations will continue in Auckland as the Indian Film Festival: Bollywood & Beyond comes to New Zealand for a second year running.  With 17 films including 9 New Zealand Premieres, there will be something for everyone to feast their eyes on.

IFF Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange says, ‘This year we are proud to present a broad range of films from traditional Bollywood,  which show India at its most colourful and wonderful, to those that tackle serious subjects and eloquently express a new sophistication in contemporary Indian cinema – a hugely exciting seismic, cultural shift that must be shared. We are also thrilled to play host to so many of Bollywood’s finest filmmakers and acting talent as they discuss their films and share their passion for cinema with you.’

Opening night audiences will be treated to a Gala of a night complete with Indian culinary delights, a special dance performance, a QnA session with Juhi Chawla and Onirban Dhar and of course the New Zealand premiere of I AM.  An innovative exploration of some of the issues facing modern Indian society, I AM consists of four short films based on real-life stories and connected by the central theme of fear.  The film was financed by donations from more than 400 people from around the world through social media sites such as Facebook, allowing the creators the freedom to tackle normally taboo subjects.

Other highlights of the festival include box office hits of the past year included NO ONE KILLED JESSICA, a political thriller based on the true story of a murder by the son of a prominent politician and subsequent crusade for justice by the victim’s sister.  The brilliantly Bollywood DABANGG starring Bollywood heavyweights Salman Khan, Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan which was also the highest grossing film in Indian in 2010 and BAND BAJA BAARAAT which gives a whole new meaning to the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’.  Beyond Bollywood, there’s the comedy WEST IS WEST, the much anticipated sequel to the loved indie smash hit East is East, tongue-in-cheek comedy TERE BIN LADEN, the biographical account of an ordinary woman who reaches extraordinary heights in MEE SINDHUTAI SAPKAL and JUST ANOTHER LOVE STORY which narrates the life of a fading gay actor in India’s theatre world.

Indian Film Festival - Bollywood & Beyond : Auckland (24 March to 3 April).

The Indian Film Festival is a Mind Blowing Films initiative sponsored by Western Union, Lebara, Singapore Airlines, La Trobe, City of Melbourne, SBS, UTV World Movies, Indian Link, Deluxe, Indian Weekender and Triangle and Stratos.