The UP Cinefest Lucknow Film Festival in the city was a star-studded affair which was a celebration of the imperative role art and culture play in transforming society, through a striking array of film screenings. Chief Guest Suresh Kumar Khanna, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Finance, UP, addressing the audience during the festival, said, Lucknow is a haven of art and culture, it should be celebrated and cherished. The high point of the festival was an enlightening session, Against all odds with actors Meenakshi Dixit and Pratik Gandhi, moderated, by Yatiindra Misra.Meenakshi, who hails from Raebareli, shared, Wherever we go, there is a distinctive charm that UPites bring to the table.(L) Jyoti Kapur Das (R) Arijit Lahiri(L) Suresh KhannaPratik Gandhi and Meenakshi DixitWhile the Scam 1992 star Pratik Gandhi spoke about the struggle that lies behind his overnight fame after the show. The audience went on a different trip altogether when Pratik and Meenakshi took to the stage to perform some energetic garba moves. Meenakshis rendition of a song also earned her a huge round of applause while Pratik floored the crowd when he delivered a dialogue from his show Scam 1992.(L) Gaurav Dwivedi (C) Nikita Pahwa (R) Renuka Tandon(L) Saahiba (C) Varun Rastogi (R) Yatindra Mishra Dr Anamta Rizvi (L) and Abhivyakti SinghAlso in attendance were Gaurav Dwivedi, advisor Chhattisgarh government, and Dinesh Sahgal, former Deputy Director,Information Department and Film Bandhu, UP. Organiser Renuka Tandon felicitated all the guests and thanked everyone for joining in the event. -------- Amina Ashraf

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