Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with members of the film industry on Saturday in New Delhi to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and several of Bollywood's top stars were present at the event.
The focus was on inviting the film industry to create films and television shows that popularise Mahatma Gandhi and Gandhism.
The event was attended by celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imtiaz Ali, Ekta Kapoor, Anurag Basu and Boney Kapoor.
The Prime Minister also released a video directed by Rajkumar Hirani which featured multiple Bollywood celebrities including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Vicky Kaushal. The event took place at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.
"Gandhi is synonymous with simplicity. His thoughts reverberate far and wide. The power of creativity is immense, and it is essential to harness this spirit of creativity for our nation. Several people from the world of films and television have been doing great work when it comes to popularising the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi," Prime Minister Modi reportedly said at the event.
"I would like to thank the Prime Minister for bringing us all together, that too for a cause such as this. I feel we need to re-introduce Gandhi ji to India and the world. The film industry can get self-obsessed and it is important we create work that is not only about business," said Shah Rukh, about the need for the industry to come forward and make films on Gandhi that can help in the nation-building process.
"We had a wonderful interaction with the Prime Minister today. He was very inspiring, very warm and very deep in what he had to say. I want to appreciate the PM for thinking about this effort. As creative people, there is much we can do, and I assure the PM that we will do even more,” Aamir Khan said.
Thank u @narendramodi for hosting us & having such an open discussion on #ChangeWithin & the role artistes can play in spreading awareness of the msgs of The Mahatma. Also the idea of a University of Cinema is extremely opportune! pic.twitter.com/kWRbNk3xzo
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 19, 2019
PM @narendramodi understands the power of our industry, says @ektaravikapoor after interacting with the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/IrD6BYmP6H
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
It’s a remarkable day for us.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
PM @narendramodi has given great respect to our industry.
Hear what Kangana Ranaut has to say... pic.twitter.com/Y0w6VvltV2