MUMBAI: Red FM's RJ Malishka will be on-ground once again hosting the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival with singer/model and former ‘Big Boss 8’ contestant Sushant Divgikar.

This is the second time that Malishka will be seen hosting KASHISH. KASHISH 2017 - South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ film festival will be held from May 24-28, at two venues in South Mumbai - Liberty Cinema and Alliance Francaise. Malishka will be seen on day one that is 24 May. The festival theme is ‘Diverse, One’ reflecting the diversity of LGBTQ communities and will screen 147 films from 45 countries.

"This is the second consecutive year that I'm hosting the opening ceremony for the KASHISH Film festival but I've been a fan for a long time. It is festive, joyous and a celebration of oneness in diversity where everyone regardless of their sexual orientation is welcome. Last year not only did I do a singing gig as I entered but also got to bring up on stage Sir Ian McKellen and that was such a privilege. This year as Sushant Divgikar and I are hosting it together it will be mad fun as well. The message that the festival sends out to the world and the truly captivating films the jury selects is to not just entertain but also to sensitise and educate, make KASHISH a unique experience," said Malishka.  

"Kashish MIQFF has been a very important initiative for the LGBT community to come closer and relate with each other through the medium of cinema, which I honestly believe is a very strong medium to express oneself," said Sushant Divgikar who also goes by his stage name of 'Princes' and is an actor, former model, singer, reality TV personality, international performer, dancer, columnist, Mr. Gay India 2014 and a certified industrial psychologist.

"This is the fifth year I will personally be part of KASHISH and performing and the second time I will be hosting it.  But this is the first time I'm hosting with one of my dear friends and the very talented Malishka. KASHISH has gotten better every year and I can promise that I have a lot of surprises on stage and I cannot wait to be on stage and entertain the audiences once more," added Sushant.  

Sridhar Rangayan, festival director said, "These are two amazing people who have been strong supporters of KASHISH. They are so talented and fun, their joie de vivre is infectious. The audience love them totally and they are going to set the stage on fire to roll in an extravagant opening night."