“Cinema is not just a medium of entertainment but of education as well”: Dr. Sachichidanand Joshi
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Kalanidhi Division held a book launch event of the book “Bollywood Ki Buniyad” authored by Shri Ajit Rai, Famous Journalist and Writer. The book launch event was chaired by Dr. Sachichidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. The other eminent guests present at the event were Arun Maheshwari and Aditi Maheshwari of Vani Prakshan and Munish Bhardwaj, Screenplay Writer, Producer, Director and Teacher. The event was moderated by Dr. Yati Sharma and welcome address was delivered by Smt. Safia Kabir, Deputy Director, Kalanidhi, IGNCA.
Ajit Rai while speaking at the event expressed his happiness over the fact that the book was being launched at IGNCA which is an institution of repute in the field of art and culture. He also said he is an ardent admirer of Dr. Joshi under whose able leadership IGNCA has reached to even the remote part of the country and attained new heights. Speaking at the event he opined that there are only two and half men who know English in Bollywood they being Shekhar Kapoor, Shyam Benegal and half one being Amitabh Bachhan, the context in which this was said was that though everyone in Bollywood talks in English but actually it is these two and a half men who actually know English. He further added that Hindi cinema was started in England by the Hinduja’s fundamentally to serve two purposes one being the entertainment of employees of Hinduja’s and second to disseminate Indian culture in the world. Mr. Rai emphatically stressed and said “Hindi cinema gave creative economy to the country”. He eventually said that this book is about the experiences he has had in the different cities and countries of the world from Cannes, Iran, Egypt, London and others.
Munish Bhardawaj while addressing the gathering drew everyone’s attention towards the interesting issue based on which this book has been written. He said the industrialists have contributed immensely in the field of cinema and they have patronized cinema since long. Mr. Munish also said that the coming up of cinema halls can be credited to the industrialists of the country and the world. Shri Arun Maheshwari while speaking on the occasion expressed his thankfulness to IGNCA and said IGNCA has taken art and culture to the nooks and corners of this country. He stressed that there might be more than hundred books on the subject but this is different as it brings to the fore the unheard narrative on the subject. He opined that by writing the book the author has brought together the Hindi community. He reiterated that the book is about the economics of Hindi film and Hinduja brothers have carried Indian culture to different parts of the world through their sponsored films. Ms. Aditi Maheshwari while speaking on the occasion said in context to Indian cinema it is an important chapter in regard to India being the ‘Viswa Guru’. She while praising the author said that Ajit Rai has always tried to find a way out through the glass ceiling. She later added that the counter narratives are also important and the book does the same and tells people that the cultural economies of the world resonate with Indian cultural economy.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi began his address by urging everyone to buy the book and read it as the book is reasonably priced. Dr. Joshi said that India is known to the world through the medium of cinema and that is exceptional and an inspirational thing. Cinema is not just a medium of entertainment but of education as well. In this context he added that India lacks the right kind of education pertaining to films and also expressed concern over not having the right terminology and that should be identified. The book ‘Bollywood ki Buniyaad’ is a narrative of time which is historical and the book is written without any bias. He also added some serious concern to the discourse and said that there is not any well researched writing in the field of Hindi films. This book is a way forward in this regard. He also mentioned IGNCA’S work done in the field of cinema and films and said IGNCA shall welcome any such proposal in the given field. In the end Dr. O. N. Choubey of Kalanidhi Division extended a formal vote of thanks.