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India today asked China to give greater access to Indian movies in that country and said such a gesture could be reciprocated.
"The time seems to be right for an intensive sharing of films as a potent medium of exchange. Presently, a rather small number of Indian films are realeased in theatres in China," Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said in his speech at the inauguration of the Chinese Film Festival here.
"I believe considering the popularity of Indian films in China, there could be more exposure for Indian film and, of course, we couild reciprocate the same," he added.
Cai Fuchao, the Chinese Minister of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television was present on the dais as Tewari made the remarks.
Tewari said V Shantaram's film 'Dr Kotnis ki Amar Kahani' was the first film which had struck a chord with the Chinese people. He said films like 'Do Beegha Zameen', 'Awara' and 'Shree 420' then went on to become hits with Chinese audience and lately Aamir Khan-starrer 'Three idiots.'
Tewari said the Chinese Premier had on his India visit said he too had watched "Three Idiots" at his daughter's insistence.
Earlier in the day, in a meeting this afternoon Tewari and I & B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma raised the issue of easing restrictions for allowing more Indian films to be shown in China. The two countries had decided to constitute a working group and giving more exposure to each other's films was made a part of its agenda.
In his speech, Fuchao also stressed on the need to improve bilateral ties through films. Hollywood star Jackie Chan, whose movie 'Chinese Zodiac' was the opening film of the Festival, was also present and enthralled the audience by presenting a song.
