Arun Jaitley Hails Global Popularity Of Indian Cinema

NEW Delhi: Lauding the reach of Indian cinema across the globe, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Arun Jaitley termed Indian film industry as its soft power abroad.

"Cinema is also a component of India's soft power abroad. We lead the world average in terms of number of movies produced each year. Indian movies have found increasing acceptance in the international forum.

"Government is committed to take all possible measures towards the overall growth of the film industry -- towards its even spread across the country and not restricted to certain pockets," Jaitley said while addressing the gathering at the 62nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan.

He said the top thing in the government's priority list is to take the entertainment industry to every nook and corner of India, which includes setting up of a film and television institute in northeast.

"Keeping this approach in mind, government is keen to set up a film and television Institute in the north eastern region for the benefit of the young creative minds from that region," he added.

Jaitley appreciated films like "Mary Kom" and "Queen" for bringing a woman and her strength into spotlight. "Queen" won the Best Hindi film award, while "Mary Kom" clinched the award in Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment category.

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