KATHMANDU: A special dialogue between renowned Bollywood filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and veteran Nepali actor Rajesh Hamal is scheduled during the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), which runs from tomorrow to April 6 in Kathmandu.

The session, titled ‘Cinema Dialogue: With Ramesh Sippy and Rajesh Hamal,’ will take place at 3:00 PM on April 3 at the Nepal Tourism Board. The discussion will focus on the evolution of Nepali and Bollywood cinema, along with personal experiences and perspectives on the industry’s past, present, and future.

Festival organizers say the interaction aims to foster stronger ties between the Nepali film sector and Bollywood. Sippy is also expected to attend the festival’s opening program following his arrival in Kathmandu.

Sippy, known for directing the iconic film Sholay, has helmed over a dozen Hindi films and worked with leading actors across generations. Hamal, one of Nepal’s most prominent film figures, has appeared in more than 200 films and remains widely recognized for his influential presence in the industry.

The ninth edition of the festival will showcase 88 films from 40 countries, alongside 10 interactive sessions. Organizers have also included a selection of non-competitive films from China and Russia in this year’s lineup.