Since when do actresses actually have something interesting to say?

Tuesday night saw a rather uncharacteristic filmi gathering, with actress Amisha Patel [Images] making a lively presentation on 'The development and impact of Indian film.'

The evening was organised by Tufts University for its considerable Indian alumni (Ms Patel included, please note), and to expose prospective students to the American university.

The panel was moderated by Peter Kvetko, Tufts professor of South Asian music, and included Dr Shashi Tharoor (centre), Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information of the United Nations, and Bollywood actress-director Soni Razdan (right).

For those puzzled as to the UN officiating Tharoor's presence on the panel, the writer-diplomat has long been a Bollywood-enthusiast, and authored the hilarious novel, Show Business, based visibly on the life of a lanky Bollywood megastar.

Razdan recently directed her first film, Nazar.

Jamshed Bharucha, Provost of the university, was also present at the event, which took place at Mumbai's Taj Mahal [Images] hotel.

Watch out for more pics and a detailed event report.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda