By Brian Santhumayor Washington, D.C: In continuing the tradition of bringing renowned and quality artists, producers, directors and films from South Asia right to the heart of the capital city, Ceasar Productions kicked off the 2013 DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) 2013 on May 10-12 in Washington DC. The organizers aim was to provide South Asian filmmakers from around the world a chance to exhibit their films to the diverse cine-going audience of the nation’s capital. This year, in keeping with the theme “Experience different cultures through films”, DCSAFF brought together a wide variety of films from across South Asia which included films in Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Bengali, and Telegu. The festival kicked-off on Friday night with an exclusive opening night Red Carpet Gala which was well attended by the media and fans that were eager to get a glimpse and mingle with their favorite stars. The event began with a spectacular fashion show that warmed up the audience and set the stage for the grand entrance of a number of renowned and accomplished Bollywood stars that included: Farooq Sheikh, Sarita Joshi, Sanjay Suri, Pooja Batra, Meher Jaffri, and others. Farooqji who has made major contribution in Parallel Cinema or the New Indian Cinema exuded the same charm that has made him a household name in India and overseas. He is the recipient of the 2010 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Lahore”. He has also acted in several successful films such as “Shatranj Ke Khiladi” (1977), “Noorie” (1979), “Chashme Buddoor” (1981) and “Kissi Se Na Kahana” (1983). The guests were also delighted to exchange pleasantries with veteran actress Sarita Joshi who has made her mark in Indian stage, television, and cinema. Ms. Joshi is best known for portraying a rough yet fair matriarch in the household hit serial “Baa Bahoo Aur Baby”. Ms. Joshi also portrayed Abhishek Bachchan’s mother in “Guru” which was directed by filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Sanjay Suri and Pooja Batra also graciously acquiesced to fan’s requests for photographs. Read more