DIFF 2013 to open with 'Sri Siddhartha Gautama'

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) The second edition of Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF), starting here Dec 21, will open with the screening of Sri Lankan film "Sri Siddhartha Gautama", while Indian actor Shatrughan Sinha will receive the lifetime achievement award.

Shatrughan will be awarded for his valuable contribution to Indian cinema and politics, said a statement.

The festival's opening film, Saman Virman's "Sri Siddhartha Gautama" is based on the life of Gautam Buddha. Its lead actor Gagan Malik is happy that the festival will begin with a film "that gives the message of world peace and unity".

"Playing the role of young Gautam Buddha was an honour as well as a responsibility for me," said Gagan.

The inaugural edition of DIFF, held in 2012, witnessed over 174 films. The forthcoming edition promises to feature more films than last year and in as many as 18 categories.

Rekha and Farooque Sheikh-starrer "Umrao Jaan", directed by Muzaffar Ali, will have a special screening at the fest.

A total of 25 awards will be distributed at the gala under categories such as best film, best world film, NRI films, face of the year, singer of the year, band of the year and poet of the year.

The festival will conclude Dec 27 with the screening of director Ariel Cohen's film "Take Mama" from Israel, and the awards ceremony.