Ayushmann Khurana & Bhumi Pednekar will work their charm on audiences in distant Canada when their runaway hit, Dum Laga Ke Haisha` will open the first Ottawa Indian Film Festival Awards (OIFFA) this July.

Slated from July 22 to July 25, OIFFA will draw NRI audiences & foreign viewers who love to savor Bollywood. Breaking away from tradition of kick starting a film festival with a big budget, multi starrer or musical, this festival has preferred to open with the much applauded performances of Ayushmann & Bhumi in this unusual love story. Dum Laga Ke Haisha`, a low-key release, ran in theatres for over 50 days; and without minimal publicity, has become the year`s most loved super hit. The film has also made a sizeable profit for its production banner, Yashraj Films.

In roles that have been perceived as breaking stereotypes` for Ayushmann Khurana & Bhumi Pednekar, the film is highly anticipated amongst South Asian movie buffs in Ontario. Says Ayushmann, "I am glad that Dum Laga Ke Haisha` has worked well with both the critics and the audience. Its content, realism and performances make it one of the better films of the year".

The four-day festival with cutting-edge global South Asian cinema will be showcase over 15 films, and will play out in popular theaters like Cineplex, Coliseum & the National Arts Centres, Ottawa, Ontario.