It's India all the way at Berlinale 2010

Indian cinema is in the spotlight at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival, which is showcasing an impressive selection of films from the country, with Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan leading the way.

The 60th anniversary edition of the Berlinale is featuring nine Indian films in its main programmes for the first time, and they have generated an unprecedented interest among festival visitors.

Indian attractions at the 10-day film festival range from film classics such as Satyajit Ray's Charulata and Shyam Benegal's Manthan to the latest Bollywood productions like MNIK, Abhay Deol starrer Road, Movie and the Aamir Khan production Peepli Live.

This year's presentation of Indian films is the largest since the Berlin Film Festival featured a 'Panorama of Indian Cinema' in its Forum section more than three decades ago.

Hundreds of film enthusiasts have been flocking theatres across this capital city to watch Indian films since the 'Bollywood euphoria' was sparked off by the sensational European premiere of MNIK at the start of the festival on February 11.

The tickets for the premiere show of the film, which marks the reunion of Bollywood's favourite on-screen couple Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, were sold out in five seconds.

Also eagerly awaited by the Berlinale film enthusiasts is Thursday's European premiere of the Aamir Khan production Peepli Live, starring Raghubir Yadav.

Directed by Anusha Rijvi, the film a satiric portrayal of the plight of debt-ridden Indian farmers, and is a part of the official Berlinale special programme.