Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan enjoys a great fan base in Middle East and his popularity in the region became topic of discussion at the seminar hosted by Egypt-India Friendship Association (EIFA).
A collaboration between EIFA and Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), the cultural wing of the Embassy of India in Cairo, the seminar was held following the release of 50-year-old actor's film "Dilwale" in Egypt.
Moderated by Nadia Jardini, the head of EIFA the discussion focused on SRK's latest movie and how it attracted audiences in the country from different background and ages.
Well-known Egyptian film critic Magda Khirallah, who was the speaker at the seminar, spoke about the status of cinema in Egypt in comparison to India.
"As a critic I follow Indian movies as well as other movies of different countries. My relation with the Indian cinema started with one of the early movies which is "Sangam." This movie achieved great success in Egypt when it was screened," Khirallah said.
"Amitabh Bachchan's movies also had great audiences. I remember when Bachchan came to his first visit to Egypt there were many fans went crazy for him. Now, I can see the great popularity of the mega star Shah Rukh Khan," he added.
The critic said, Egyptian filmmakers fear that the popularity of Indian movies could affect the business of local films, and sighted it as the main reason for small representation of Indian cinema here.
"'Dilwale' is a well made movie as it gather all the elements that can create a successful film from action to music to artistic scenes and beautiful landscapes," she said.
"Dilwale," a 2015 Indian romantic-action comedy film directed by Rohit Shetty, was released in Egypt last year in December.
The film also stars Kajol, Varun Dhawan, and Kriti Sanon in lead roles, with Johnny Lever and Varun Sharma in supporting roles.
A clip for the master-scenes of the film, edited by Shah Rukh Khan Egypt Fan Club, was also screened during the seminar.
A large number of fans of the superstar attended the event and participated in the competition held at the end of the event by EIFA.
