The prestigious Kolkata International Film Festival has been helmed at Kolkata since 1995 and this year, for the 21st time it is scheduled in this month. It has the fame of being the second oldest International Film Festival of India next to Goa.\r\n \r\nIn this juncture, the critically acclaimed Bollywood actress Vidya Balan was invited to host the competition for Women Director's Films. She was invited from the Festival's Director and West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Vidya Balan is expected to join other celebrities like SRK, Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan at the opening ceremony.\r\n \r\nIt is to be held at Netaji Indoor stadium in the city. The reason for inviting her as the Chief Guest is because of her involvement in Bengali films and her interactions with local residents during the off-shooting times that gained reputation.

Vidya Balan is an Indian actress. She has established a successful career in Bollywood and is the recipient of several awards, including a National Film Award, five Filmfare Awards, and five Screen Awards, and was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2014. She is known for portraying strong female protagonists and has been acknowledged in the media for pioneering a change in the concept of a Hindi film heroine.\r\n\r\nVidya aspired to a career in film from a young age, and had her first acting role in the 1995 sitcom Hum Paanch. 

Vidya Balan goes as Chief Guest for Kolkata Film Fest

Vidya Balan