Shekhar Kapoor, the Renowned Film Director, inaugurated the National Seminar titled ‘Indian Cinema and Soft Power,’ organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (lCCR) at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and ICCR President Vinay Sahasrabuddhe graced the inaugural function.
“It is an opportune time for the Asian countries to become the prime culture of the world. He said ‘There was a time during my youth when I aspired to become like Americans. This was only due to the influence of American media.’ Now it is our turn; Asia is rising and India and China are two nations who can cultivate their soft power to become major influencers in the world,” said Shekhar Kapoor.
He stressed upon the need for technology upgradation. “If India has to use Cinema as a soft power, we have to win the minds and hearts of the future generations around the world,” he said, adding, ‘90 per cent of the youth in the US and the world are watching games apart from films and OTT.’ ‘We need to think of telling our stories through the popular media like gaming using the latest technologies. I would like to see games featuring Indian characters in Indian costumes.”
Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari said Bollywood can compete with world cinema today; it is popular across the world. He added that Yoga and Yoga Day Celebrations have also become the soft power of our country.’
