India’s High Commission in London hosts film screening to celebrate indian cinema
In a vibrant celebration of Indian cinema and its cultural influence, the High Commission of India in London hosted a special film screening at the prestigious Mayfair Hotel on Friday. The event, attended by over 250 guests, showcased three iconic Indian sports films – 83, Dangal, and Chak De! India – each highlighting themes of perseverance, teamwork, and national pride.
The evening drew a diverse audience, including members of the Indian diaspora and international guests, underscoring the global reach and growing prominence of Indian cinema. High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, delivered a heartfelt address, reflecting on the enduring power of storytelling in Indian culture and its ability to inspire across borders.
The significance of cinema in india
“Film is India’s most cherished form of entertainment, and cricket, of course, is a religion,” said Doraiswami, as he remarked on the unique intersection of storytelling and sport. He elaborated on the historical importance of storytelling in Indian culture, noting that India has long embraced film as a medium for narrating powerful tales.
“The process of telling stories is central to the human experience,” he observed. “In India, films bring together storytelling, music, and dance, creating a cathartic experience within just a few hours.”
Doraiswami also lauded Indian cinema for transcending linguistic barriers. Despite the country’s linguistic diversity, Bollywood has emerged as a global powerhouse in film production, captivating audiences worldwide.
Strengthening UK-india film collaboration
A central theme of the evening was the growing partnership between the Indian and UK film industries. The High Commissioner highlighted the role of the UK’s creative sectors – including film studios, animation, and gaming – in enhancing the success of Indian films.
“The film industry is one of the key drivers of future collaboration between India and the UK,” he noted, pointing to the increasing use of UK-based studios in Indian film productions. Doraiswami expressed the High Commission’s commitment to fostering continued engagement through films and the broader creative industries.
Looking ahead, he announced the upcoming World Audio Visual Summit (WAVE), scheduled to take place in Mumbai in February. The event, which will bring together industry leaders, regulators, and creators from India and the UK, is set to be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Celebrating sporting triumphs through film
The three films featured at the screening showcased India’s sporting achievements and the unifying power of sport.
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- 83, directed by Kabir Khan, chronicles India’s historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The film captures the underdog journey of the Indian cricket team, led by Kapil Dev, as they defied all odds to claim their first-ever World Cup title. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev received widespread acclaim.
- Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a biographical drama based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film follows Phogat’s relentless efforts to train his daughters, Geeta and Babita, into world-class wrestlers, breaking societal norms and challenging gender stereotypes. Starring Aamir Khan as Mahavir Singh Phogat, alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra as Geeta and Babita, the film is a powerful tribute to female empowerment.
- Chak De! India (2007), directed by Shimit Amin, features Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former hockey player who becomes the coach of India’s women’s hockey team. The film tells a compelling story of overcoming personal and national challenges as the team unites to win the World Cup.
A night to remember
The event concluded with attendees reflecting on the profound impact of Indian cinema in shaping global perceptions and celebrating universal themes of unity, resilience, and hope.
As Indian cinema continues to expand its influence on the global stage, events like these highlight its cultural significance and the promising future of creative collaboration between India and the UK.
