India Splendor at UCLA

One of the most spectacular India Events to convey the cultural richness of India to the people in Southern California is taking place from Aug 10 to Aug 16. Marking the 60th anniversary of India's independence from UK, the event will showcase Movies, Art Workshops, Books, and fashion, that highlight progress made by India.

Bollywood and Indian cinema royalty will decend upon Los Angeles for speical screening of movies like 'Chak De India' with Shahrukh Khan as the hero who leads the girls hockey team to victory at the World Cup.

Newly wed Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan starrer Guru, directed by Mani Ratnam.
Ben Kingsley will be present for the screening of Gandhi.

Apart from Movies, Art Workshops will be presented by Raj Kapoor and Bhupendra Kumar Modi, chairman of MGlobal Trust, the philanthropic arm of India-based telecommunications and IT firm MCorpGlobal.

• India Splendor The six-day festival looks to offer a peek at Indian cinema, art, fashion, spirituality and more. Events are at the Billy Wilder Theater, unless noted. A sampling of the highlights:
• Opening night: Screening of "Chak De India"; Q&A with director Shimit Amin and writer Jaideep Sahni. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Samuel Goldwyn Theater
• Art nights: Four Indian artists present works. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday though Tuesday, Melnitz Hall
• Tribute to Raj Kapoor: The late filmmaker has been called the "Charlie Chaplin of Indian cinema." 1 p.m. Saturday
• "Gandhi": A 25th anniversary screening, followed by a Q&A with Ben Kingsley. 3 p.m. Saturday
• Fashion show: Suneet Varma's designs are on display. 9 p.m. Saturday, Hammer Museum
• Spiritual talk: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's address is titled "The World Is One Family." 3 p.m. Sunday
• Book release party: A Q&A and more with Anupama Chopra, author of "The King of Bollywood." 5 p.m. Sunday
• More screenings: "Eklavya," 7:30 p.m. Sunday; "Life in a Metro," 7:30 p.m. Monday; "Guru," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
• Closing night: Gala celebration of India's 60th year of independence. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Royce Hall
• Where: Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; Billy Wilder Theater and Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.; Royce Hall and Melnitz Hall, UCLA campus, Westwood