Veteran actress Tanuja will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 14th Marathi film appreciation course, Chitrapat Rasaswad Shibir in Pune on September 24.

The NFAI (National Film Archive of India) has organised a week-long course from September 19 to 24, in association with Federation of Film Society of India (FFSI) at the National Film Archive of India. The veteran actress will award certificates to the course participants. Her daughter Tanisha Mukerji will also be present during the function.

Meanwhile, September 23 marks Tanuja's 75th birthday, and to celebrate the occasion a special screening of her acclaimed Marathi film "Pitruroon", will be held after the closing ceremony. The screening will be attended by the director of the film Nitish Bharadwaj along with a few other members of the cast.

Talking about the same, actor-filmmaker Nitish Bharadwaj told IANS: "I am very happy that the film is being screened on her 75th birthday. I remember, for that particular casting, I did not start the film for almost three months. Finally, when Tanuja ji agreed to do that role, it was like a dream come true for me. It was a moment of great joy. Right from my childhood, I've been a great fan of hers. Tanuja ji acting in my debut directorial film was a big thing for me. It was a wonderful experience directing her. She is very easy to work with and brought life to the character of Bhagirathi. It was such a joy working with her. My film being screened on her 75th birthday is a special occasion for me and I will also attend it."

Award-winning Marathi film "Pitruroon" is an emotional family drama, based on Sudha Murthy's novel which narrates the journey of a son to fulfil his father's unfulfilled wish.

Tanuja will also donate a personal collection of photographs of her family and friends to the NFAI for preservation. This includes the rare original poster of the film ‘Chhabili' (1960), directed by Shobhna Samarth starring Tanuja and Nutan in the leading roles.

-IANS

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