A note from

Dear Friends,   The deaths of Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor have shocked their fans around the world.  Both actors were unwell, but we had hoped they would recover and entertain us for many years.   Instead of mourning, I believe we should celebrate the two actors. And so today I am recommending two of their works – both streaming on Netflix.   First, Irrfan Khan acted in a compelling series called Tokyo Trial, a Japanese, Canadian and Dutch production. The four-part series - with each episode less than an hour long, focus on the post-World War II trail of 28 Japanese leaders for the atrocities committed during the war.  Irrfan plays the role of the Bengali judge Radhabinod Pal, who wanted to rise above the idea of vengeance as he tried to be impartial and legally fair.  It is a brilliant show that all fans of Irrfan should watch.   In 2011, the New York Indian Film Festival opened with a small indie film that was led by two big stars. The film Do Dooni Chaar was also the first time after more than 30 years that Rishi Kapoor and his wife Neetu Singh Kapoor acted together. It is a delightful film about a middle class school teacher who dreams of owning a car.   I hope you will like Tokyo Trial and Do Dooni Chaar.   I will be back next week with another recommendation for the NYIFF At Home Festival.   Meanwhile stay safe,   Aseem Chhabra Festival Director New York Indian Film Festival