'Chak De India' to kick off with gala world premieres

Mumbai, Aug 7 (UNI) Yash Raj Film's 'Chak De India', celebrating India's national game Hockey, will have its gala world premieres in London and Los Angeles.

''Both the premieres are centrepieces of mega festivals that celebrate India and Indian culture in the UK and USA'', a Yash Raj Films spokesperson said.

The film releases worldwide on August ten.

The London premiere will take place on August nine as the centrepiece event of 'India Now', a three-month season celebrating London's strengthening relationship with India and exploring its culture and its contribution to the life of London.

''India Now was inaugurated on July 17 and encompasses events and festivities across practically every part of the city of London. The world premiere of 'Chak De India' will be held at Somerset House, London's most outstanding 18th century building, situated on the banks of the river Thames. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who plays the coach who tries to take a motley group of girls to the pinnacle of world hockey, will be present on the occasion.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, has been quoted as saying, ''We have many events throughout the three-month duration. However, the world premiere of 'Chak de India' will undoubtedly bring existing events. It is a great honour for London to host this launch event for a film which, like so many other Bollywood blockbusters, will touch the hearts and minds of millions across the world.'' The Los Angeles premiere, to be held on August 10, is part of a shorter but no less prestigious event of a nature similar to India Now. Called 'India Splendor', the festival runs from August 10-15 and is a mega showcase of India's arts, business, technology, food, dance, spirituality on the occasion of the country's 60th anniversary of Independence. 'Chak De India' will be the opening night film of 'India Splendor'.

UNI