Cinema has brought India, Egypt closer: Amitabh Bachchan

Mar 31,2015

Cairo, March 31 (IANS) Terming cinema a "great integrator", Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan has said Hindi movies have, over the years, brought the historic cultures of India and Egypt closer.

Interacting with the media at the inauguration of the "India by the Nile" festival here on Monday, Bachchan noted that the two countries have always enjoyed "good relations" and the bond has been further strengthened by cinema.

"Cinema is a great integrator. Movies give us an opportunity to laugh and cry together. When we go to watch a movie we don't ask the religion or caste of the person sitting next to us," Bachchan, who enjoys a huge fan following in Egypt, said.

The superstar has been roped in for the third edition of the festival being organised by the Indian embassy in partnership with Egypt's ministry of culture and tourism as well as the Cairo Opera House.

Bachchan said the festival (March 30 to April 17) is an opportunity to bring the Indian and Egyptian cultures together.

"We've had a historic legacy as both the civilisations grew up on the banks of two rivers - the Ganges and the Nile.

"We've always had good relations with Egypt and this festival provides an opportunity to bring the two cultures together," he said.

"It's wonderful for the film industry."

Speaking on Egypt's tourism industry which has been hit the most in the wake of the 2011 political upheaval, Bachchan said things have started to look up.

"Egypt is an important destination for tourists owing to it's rich history. And now things are settling down here," said Bachchan.

The River by the Nile festival too is an attempt to give a boost to the tourism sector of Egypt -- the country's major revenue earner.

In addition to screening Bachchan's films, the festival will promote yoga, Indian handicrafts, folk dances and street food among the locals.

Bachchan hoped that more and more Indians will be lured toward Egypt in the near future.

(Rahul Vaishnavi is attending the "India by the Nile festival" in Cairo on the invitation of the Egyptian tourism department)

Tags:

Cinema has brought India Egypt closer: Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan in news news about Amitabh Bachchan

Mallika Sherawat rejected the role of Ishaan Khattar's mother, left this web series at the last moment

Apr 25,2024

Who does not know Mallika Sherawat, who entered Hindi cinema 21 years ago with the film Khwahish? Mallika, who created a sensation in the industry overnight with her intimate scenes in the film Murder with Emraan Hashmi, is now all set for a comeback. Recently she had signed pro

Pushpa 2: Good news for Allu Arjun's fans, a big surprise is waiting for the fans of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'

Apr 25,2024

The audience is eagerly waiting for director Sukumar's film 'Pushpa 2'. A big surprise is waiting for the fans of Allu Arjun. The filmmakers showed a glimpse of the first song of the film 'Pushpa-Pushpa' on 24 April. Fans were very happy to

Salman Khan Firing Case: No relief for the accused in the firing case outside Salman's house, custody was extended till April 29

Apr 25,2024

The police presented both the accused in the court on Thursday in the firing case that took place on April 14 outside Galaxy Apartment, the Mumbai home of Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The court has extended the police custody of both the accused for four days. Now both

'I was all alone...', when Vidya Balan was publicly bullied, she was given such an award

Apr 25,2024

Vidya Balan does not need any identity in today's time. From films like Dirty Picture to Tumhari Sulu and Kahaani, the actress not only entertained her audience, but she also took the responsibility of a film without a hero on her shoulder

Kubera: Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna shot 'Kuber' in Mumbai, video of both of them went viral from the set of the film.

Apr 25,2024

Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna are shooting for their upcoming film 'Kuber' in Mumbai. A video of both of them going towards the shooting venue in their respective costumes is now going viral on social media. Rashmika Mandanna shared a pack-up shot on her Instagram page. 'Kuber' is a mu

Surya's Kanguva included in the most expensive films of the year, makers spent money like water

Apr 23,2024

The headlines have been in the news for a long time about South cinema superstar Surya Sivakumaran's film Kanguva. There is a huge hype among the fans about this movie of the actor and it has increased even more after the release of the teaser of this film. In such a situation,

Nora Fatehi: 'It seems like they have never seen', Nora Fatehi gets angry at paparazzi

Apr 23,2024

These days, paparazzi cover every activity of Bollywood stars. Take out their photos and videos. The conversations of stars with paparazzi also go viral on social media. Sometimes paparazzi also share some of their private pictures and videos on social media. Recently, many

War 2: Whom did Hrithik meet on the sets of 'War 2'? Has an old relationship with 'Vikram Vedha', and calls himself a big fan

Apr 19,2024

Hrithik Roshan remains in the news because of the film 'War 2'. This film is part of Yash Raj Spy Universe. The first part of the film received a lot of love from the audience. The songs of the film were also a big hit. The shooting of the second part of this f