Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan on Thursday talked at the inauguration ceremony of the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival, which was also attended by West Bengal Governor Dr C V Ananda Bose, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, actors Rani Mukerji and Shatrughan Sinha, and leading personalities of the Bengali film industry.They talked about the issue of free speech, and censorship in the film industry over the years, and the “narrowness” driving social media.
Recalling the journey of Indian cinema amid various stages of censorship, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan at the Kolkata International Film Festival on December 15, spoke about civil liberties and freedom of expression being in question in the country. “Even now, questions are being raised on civil liberties and freedom of expression,” Amitabh Bachchan said.
Showing his positive stance amid the ‘Pathaan’ controversy, Bollywood legend and superstar Shah Rukh Khan at the Kolkata International Film Festival on December 15, spoke on his take on the role of social media in Cinema. The superstar also appreciated and called out for all the people staying positive amid the negativity. “Social media is often driven by a certain narrowness of view that limits. human nature to its baser self. I read somewhere that negativity increases social media consumption. Such pursuits enclose collective narrative making it divisive and destructive,” the actor said.
Both the actors steered clear of direct reference to any contemporary controversy. But, read between the lines while giving the statements at the inaugural event of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in her vote of thanks, appealed that Bachchan, who turned 80 this October, be conferred the Bharat Ratna. She also stressed that Bengal fights for and will continue to “fight for unity”.