Indian stars on a date with Dubai

Fans of Indian actors Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan will now have a chance to meet their favourite stars at the world premiere of their latest film Kismat Konnection in Dubai on Wednesday.

Organised by Star Middle East, in conjunction with UTV Motion Pictures, the gala event will take place at Grand Cineplex, Dubai from 7pm. A spokesperson from Star TV has confirmed that both the stars and film director Aziz Mirza will be attending the red carpet event, followed by the 7.30pm screening of the rom-com about a guy searching for a lucky charm to change his life.

Lately, Dubai has become a hotspot for Indian film premieres with Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par and the John Abraham-Bipasha Basu starrer Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal holding star-studded events in the city.

Amrita Pandey, vice-president of international distribution and syndication, UTV Motion Pictures says: "The high South Asian population in the Gulf has resulted in the region becoming the most fruitful market in terms of revenue generated from overseas territories."

Kismat Konnection has already generated quite a buzz globally, which is being touted as a comeback of sorts for Mirza – who played an integral role in creating the legend of superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Their friendship also developed into a business partnership when Mirza, Khan and actress Juhi Chawla launched the production firm Dreamz Unlimited, making films such as Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.

Fresh from the success of his last film Jab We Met, the recently single Kapoor became the subject of gossip after his break-up with actress Kareena Kapoor.

While Kareena is now dating actor Saif Ali Khan, the apparent on-screen chemistry between Kapoor and Balan has set the rumour mills churning of an alleged affair. Both the stars have denied such a relationship.

Kismat Konnection will release in the UAE cinemas on Thursday.

Kismat Konnection. Premieres on Wednesday at Grand Cineplex at 7pm. Call: 04 324 2000