''The Memsahib' to premiere at IFFI on Nov 26

Panaji, Nov 24 (UNI) ''The Memsahib'' by award winning NRI director Kruti Majumdar is all set to be premiered at the 37th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here on November 26, tracing a strong willed woman's search for her connection to one love, two cultures through many lifetimes.

The film has won international laurels in film festivals like Pittsburgh 3 Rivers Film Festival, Stony brook Festival in New York, Salento Film Festival in Italy and Dances with Films, Los Angeles.

Written, Directed and Produced by Kruti herself, the film stars Emily Hamilton, Parveen Dabbas, Swetta Keswani, Murli Sharma, Glenn Fitzgerald (The Sixth Sense, Finding Forrester), Denzil Smith and others. The executive producer is Larry Meistrich, producer of academy award nominated "Sling Blade", with Billy Bob Thornton.

"The Memsahib" is a fresh new look on the timeless nature of love, Kruti said on her arrival here from Los Angeles.

Grace Roberts (Emily Hamilton) is a young Memsahib who discovers and comes to terms with her new life, as a wife and a princess in a foreign land India of 1850's. But their world drifts towards revolution, and when differences of resolve ignite between the prince [ Parveen Dabbas] and his fellow Noblemen [Kishore Thakkar played by Actor Murli Sharma], betrayal is close at hand. Swetta Keswani plays Emily's sister-in-law cum confidante who helps her to adjust to the ways of the royal life.

The journey begins in 1851 prior to the British making their presence felt in India ,with Grace arriving to join her new husband,a local raja Jayant Rathod. They both believe that their cultural differences can be overcome. Grace, sensing that her unorthodox views irk both the cultures,finds respite from all pressures by teaching children at the village well. Her increasing anxiety over her identity and loyalty are heightened by events that keep her apart from her husband. Grace becomes increasingly torn between what she loves and being with the one she loves. Finally tragedy strikes leaving her to make the ultimate choice. 150 years later, the recently divorced Asha Randali arrives at the same palace. While unearthing its unique history ,she inches towards self discovery and healing. Through Grace and Asha's journey,the viewer sees mortals as people defined both by what they chose for themselves everyday juxtaposed with eternal connections made long ago, Kruti said.

Born in Rajkot, Kruti has been associated with many interesting and noteworthy films like The Journey and Daddy Cool, and now she brings her debut feature film "The Memsahib" to the shores of India, where it was shot. Kruti has produced and served as art director for films for 6 years. She creatively draws on experiences from both cultures, while at the same time proudly swearing allegiance to the beauty of her homeland.

The Memsahib is not another crossover film but a truly American Independent film with India's top talent like noted musician Uday Mazumdar who has composed the score and soundtrack with a wide array of music ranging from folk garbas, thumris, to pop music. Art Direction's by Nitin Desai, Cinematography by Rajen Kothari and of course the talented Indian Diaspora in the film, she added.

UNI MR MQA BST1903