Doraiswami further highlighted the unique ability of Indian cinema to transcend language barriers, with Bollywood standing as a global powerhouse in film production despite India’s linguistic diversity…reports Asian Lite News
On Friday, the High Commission of India in London organized a special film screening at the prestigious Mayfair Hotel, showcasing three iconic Indian sports films: ’83, Dangal, and Chak De! India. The event attracted over 250 guests, including members of the Indian diaspora and an international audience, highlighting the growing global influence of Indian cinema.
The screening underscored India’s prowess in storytelling through film, with a focus on sports as a unifying theme. High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the cultural importance of the featured films and their role in promoting values such as teamwork, unity, and national pride.
“Film is India’s most favored form of entertainment, and cricket is practically a religion. A film that combines cricket and storytelling is destined to be a success,” Doraiswami remarked. He elaborated on the historical significance of storytelling in India, noting that the country was among the earliest to embrace film as a medium for narrative expression.
Doraiswami further highlighted the unique ability of Indian cinema to transcend language barriers, with Bollywood standing as a global powerhouse in film production despite India’s linguistic diversity. “Films in India blend storytelling, music, and dance, offering a cathartic experience that resonates globally,” he added.
A significant theme of the evening was the deepening collaboration between the Indian and UK film industries. Doraiswami discussed the pivotal role of the UK’s creative industries, including film studios, animation, and gaming, in the success of numerous Indian films. “The film industry is poised to be a major driver of future partnerships between India and the UK,” he stated, highlighting the growing use of UK studios in Indian film production.
The event also served as a platform to announce the upcoming World Audio Visual Summit (WAVE), set to take place in Mumbai in February. The summit, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to bring together industry leaders, regulators, and creators from both India and the UK to foster collaboration and innovation in the audiovisual sector.
The screening of ’83, Dangal, and Chak De! India celebrated India’s sporting achievements and the power of sports in fostering unity and national pride, reaffirming the influential role of cinema in shaping cultural narratives.
