Ekta Kapoor makes an exception for Tusshar

Ekta Kapoor's next release Shorr has been selected for the Tenth Annual Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council (MIAAC) Film Festival to be held from November 10 to 14 in New York City. The film will be presented at the opening night of the red carpet gala presentation. It has already garnered rave reviews at the Pusan Film Festival.

The TV czarina-turned-producer is a nervous flyer and avoids long flights. She has not attended any international film festival for the same reason but is making this trip for the sake of her brother Tusshar, who stars in the film.

Excited
Ekta will be accompanied by her best friend Prachi Desai and the CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, Tanuj Garg. Tusshar is reaching the venue a day ahead. Ekta says, "I am excited as Shorr is opening at the festival."

After the red carpet walk and pre-screening cocktails, Shorr will be screened at the SVA Silas Theatre, followed by a post screening discussion. While in the US, Ekta will also touch base with Sendhil Ramamurthy who is also part of the film. Prachi, Tusshar and Sendhil will walk the red carpet with the proud producer, who is carving quite a niche for herself for making small and unusual films.

Work-cum-break
Amongst those watching Shorr will also be Mira Nair, Aparna Sen, Shyam Benegal, Shabana Azmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Deepti Naval, Rituparno Ghosh and Rahul Bose.

After the screening, Ekta and Prachi will stay back for a few days for shopping. Says a source close to the actress, "She hasn't taken a break in a long time and will be staying in Manhattan for just a few days, as her next production Dirty Picture to be directed by Milan Luthria, goes on the floors."

Directed by the Detroit and Mumbai-based duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, the film is set in Mumbai during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and focuses on the dilemmas faced by three different characters. It has Sendhil, Tusshar and Nikhil Dwivedi in the lead.

Shorr is the first crossover film Balaji has produced and it has also been invited by the film festivals of Dubai and Cairo.