Dubai, Bollywood stars have graced the red carpet at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in Abu Dhabi to an overwhelming reception from the fans.

Actors Irfan Khan, Dia Mirza, Shiney Ahuja and Konkona Sen were welcomed by huge crowds gathered at the Emirates Palace, as people desperately sought their autographs and posed for pictures.

The six-day festival, under a special section titled Bollywood Showcase, would also screen the popular Indian films. Overall, more than 100 films from 38 countries will be screened.

Indian actor Dia Mirza said: "I have seen the list of films to be screened and I think it's a very good selection. I wish to stay to watch them all."

"When I got the invite, I had no expectations, but what I am seeing has totally surprised my expectation I might have had," she added.

Among the Bollywood films to be screened are the much-anticipated 'The Last Lear', featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Priety Zinta and Arjun Rampal and the classic 'Mughal-e-Azam'.

Besides, the festival would also pay tribute to the legendary actor Raj Kapoor by screening 'Awaara' and also a documentary 'Kehta Hai Joker' in the presence of his son Rajiv Kapoor.

Actor Bipasha Basu, who will be the Emcee at the Closing Night Awards Gala.

Officially opening the festival, Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, welcomed the guests to Abu Dhabi.

"This is a historic evening. We are hoping to attract filmmakers to Abu Dhabi," he added.

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