BBC Hindi service's websitebbchindi.com has launched its first internet magazine, BBC Patrika, with a very special guest editor - the legendary actor and film-maker Dev Anand.

Incorporating all the regular features that used to be part of the website's Entertainment index, BBC Patrika also carries a range of original material, including stories, poetry and interviews.

Editor of bbchindi.com Salma Zaidi explains: "We want to attract new users to our online site, and with BBC Patrika we can widen its scope to include features and thought-provoking articles which, we hope, will engage users looking for something more than just Bollywood and fashion.

"bbchindi.com will invite well-known names to write for BBC Patrika and, to ensure it constantly feels fresh and lively, we will have a new guest editor every three months.

"Dev Anand is a perfect example. He is an acclaimed living legend with decades of expertise entertaining and informing the public. He also has a keen eye for the issues concerning Hindi-speakers across the world."

Dev Anand says: "My association with the BBC goes a long way. I was first interviewed by the BBC in the Fifties. When bbchindi.com approached me to be a guest editor for BBC Patrika, I was pleasantly surprised.

"I have played innumerable roles in my lifetime, but never that of an Editor. There is something that is common between BBC and myself. I have never copied anyone and in that regard I am 'exclusive'. And so is the BBC.

"Apart from this, I have always accepted challenges and I feel BBC Hindi Online has also been doing this all the time."

Notes to Editors

BBC Hindi programmes are produced from studios in London and New Delhi and are set in a rolling format, with news, current affairs and features.

The interactive morning and evening programmes, Aaj Ke Din and Aaj Kal bring BBC Hindi listeners news, analysis and interviews on a range of issues, from current affairs and careers to showbiz and sports.

BBC Hindi is available on short-wave and medium-wave radio transmitters and via cable television.

Hindi-speakers across the world can access BBC Hindi programmes in text and in audio at the 24/7 site bbchindi.com.

BBC World Service

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