Eros Group, which specialises in distributing Bollywood films in the UK, is to become a member of UK trade body the Film Distributors' Association on March 1

It will be the first Bollywood distributor ever to join the FDA.

Established in the 1970s, Eros has library of approximately 1,500 titles, and regularly releases new films to the UK multiplex circuits as well as to independent cinemas. Recent Eros successes screened in the UK include Baghban, Chalte Chalte and Khakee.

In 2002, Eros masterminded the international distribution and marketing of the BAFTA-nominated spectacular Devdas, starring Aishwarya Rai, which had its world premiere at Cannes and became the first Bollywood film to have a mainstream launch in London's West End.

FDA President Frank Pierce said: 'In recent years we have seen Indian films enjoy more and more cross-over appeal. FDA is a broad church - our membership has long included several UK independent distributors as well as the local offices of the international studios, and we are delighted that Eros is joining our association'.

Eros chairman Kishore Lulla said: 'Bollywood is the world's most prolific film industry and its film exports are soaring. Eros's mission is to 'take Bollywood places' and we believe that joining FDA will help us to connect more closely with the growing UK cinema industry'.

Eros is the 14th member of Film Distributors' Association, whose members' releases accounted for approximately 96% of UK cinema admissions in 2003.

The other 13 current FDA members are: Buena Vista International (UK), Columbia TriStar Films UK, Entertainment Film Distributors, Feature Film Company, Gala Film Distributors, Icon Film Distribution, Metrodome Distribution, Momentum Pictures, Pathé Distribution, Twentieth Century Fox, UGC Films (UK), United International Pictures and Warner Bros Distributors.