PM Inaugurates India’s First Museum On Cinema

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the long awaited National Museum on Indian Cinema in Mumbai, called the Mecca Indian cinema. Film buffs and historians will be apprised of the  history of the Indian film industry under one roof  since 1913 when Raja Harishchandra was made by Dadasaheb Phalke. It is the first silent feature film made in India. By the 1930s, the industry was producing over 200 films annually. The first Indian sound film, Ardeshir Irani’s Alam Ara released in 1931, was a major commercial success. He mentioned that Government is working to provide facility of ‘Ease of Filming’ by putting in place a Single Window Clearance system, for Film Shooting approvals in different parts of the country. Besides, Government is working on amending Cinematograph Act 1952 to check the problem of Film Piracy. Government is also working towards setting up a National Centre for Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics.  A fully dedicated university for Communication and Entertainment is a need of hour and urged Film personalities to suggest and contribute on this. He also suggested the idea of Global Film Summit similar to Davos Summit which would focus on the expansion of market for Indian Cinema. Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister of the western state Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State from Mahashtra Ramdas Athawale and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion on January 20. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said that the National Museum of Indian Cinema will provide a wonderful opportunity for the younger generation to understand and learn about Indian cinema. He added that the Museum will have detailed information about the history of Indian entertainment industry, along with tales of struggles of various film personalities. Stating that film and society are a reflection of each other, Prime Minister Modi  said that whatever happens in the society are reflected by the movies on screen while the images from the  films are also mirrored in the society. There are many films which depict both the problem and the solution which is a positive sign as compared to earlier years when only the helplessness was displayed. PM Modi said that India is now confident of finding its own solutions to the problems it faces and this he said is a sign of a New India which is confident and capable of taking issues head on and resolving them. He highlighted the global reach of Indian Cinema. In this context he mentioned his interaction with various global leaders who can even sing Indian songs. He extended best wishes to the film fraternity for creating the characters that have captured the imaginations of young generations. He said that due to global appeal of such characters, India’s youngsters are now not just fans of Batman, but also of Bahubali. The Indian Cinema has a big role in enhancing India’s soft power, its credibility and building the Brand India across the world.  Through Cinema important social issues such as sanitation, women empowerment, sports etc are now reaching to people. Cinema plays an important role in nation Building and strengthens the feeling of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat. PM said that the film Industry has a huge potential of contributing in the growth of Tourism in the country and urged Film personalities to suggest and contribute on this. He also suggested the idea of Global Film Summit similar to Davos Summit which would focus on the expansion of market for Indian Cinema.