SRK thanks PM for open discussion on role artists can play in spreading Gandhi’s message

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having an open discussion with film personalities on the role artistes could play in spreading awareness of the messages of Mahatma Gandhi.

“Thank u @narendramodi for hosting us & having such an open discussion on #ChangeWithin & the role artistes can play in spreading awareness of the messages of The Mahatma. Also, the idea of a University of Cinema is extremely opportune”, Shah Rukh said in a post on Twitter late on Saturday night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met personalities from the Indian film industry including Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Kangana Ranaut, Anand L Rai, S P Balasubrahmanyam, Sonam Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Sonu Nigam, Ekta Kapoor, members of Tarak Mehta group, ETV group on ‘ways to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.’

The PM released four cultural videos marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in an event organised at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

In an interactive session, Mr Modi urged the film and entertainment industry to channelise its energy to make entertainment, inspiring and creative that can motivate the ordinary citizens. He reminded them of their immense potential and their ability to bring about a positive transformation in the society.

Highlighting the impact of Mahatma Gandhi in the present day, the PM said that if there is one thought, one person, who could establish a connect with people all over the world, it is Gandhiji.

Recalling the Einstein challenge proposed by him, Mr Modi urged the film fraternity to use the marvel of technology to bring Gandhian thought to the forefront.

The PM recalled his interaction with Chinese President in Mamallapuram, wherein the President had highlighted the popularity of Indian films like Dangal in China. He also mentioned about the popularity of Ramayana in South East Asia.

He further exhorted the film fraternity to utilise their soft power potential to promote tourism in India.

The PM outlined that India is going to celebrate the 75th anniversary its independence in 2022. In this regard, he requested the gathering to showcase the inspiring stories of India’s freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947 and India’s growth story from 1947 to 2022. He also underlined the plan to host an Annual International Entertainment Summit in India.

Actor Aamir Khan thanked the Prime Minister for igniting the idea of contributing towards the cause of propagation of Mahatma Gandhi’s message to the world.

Noted film director Rajkumar Hirani pointed out that the video released was one of many initiatives taken with the theme of “Change Within”. He thanked the Prime Minister for his constant inspiration, guidance and support.

Shahrukh Khan, while thanking Mr Modi for creating a platform for the film fraternity to come together and work towards a cause, said that such initiatives would re-introduce the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi to the new generations.

Acclaimed film maker, Anand L Rai thanked the PM for making the entertainment industry realise its potential towards nation building.

Mr Modi assured the film fraternity of all the support from his government for the overall development of the entertainment industry.

The videos, centering on the theme of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were conceptualised and created by Rajkumar Hirani, ETV group, Tarak Mehta group and Ministry of Culture, Government of India. (UNI)