'We had Ashutosh here previously as director of 'Lagaan'. He is a great maker of period films with such an attention to detail.

'But what is different about him this time - and people would love to see it - is that he has done a contemporary film ('What's Your Raashee?'), and it is a love story. Wow, he has not done that before. I am sure he will prove himself to be a master again.'

Bailey, who gave a big break to Bollywood at the festival three years ago by organizing a gala presentation for the film 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' in the presence of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, said he is determined to raise Bollywood's profile here for two reasons.

'One, we have an avid audience which comes (only) to see Bollywood films and their stars in town. Two, we want to introduce Bollywood to our audiences that do not know this kind of cinema.'

In fact, he didn't rule the future possibility of live musical performances by Bollywood stars at the festival.

'We would love to showcase the musical part of Bollywood, and it is something we may consider down the line,' he said.

'Many may not see it that way, but Bollywood is already a mainstream global player. Stars from Bollywood are globally recognised. People who make and finance Bollyood films are global players. See what Reliance is doing in Hollywood as a major player,' he added.

The 34th film festival, which runs from Sep 10 to 19, will feature more than 300 films, including 100 brand-new, from 64 countries.