Noting that films have left an impact on his life, Union Minister and Olympic silver medallist Rajyavardhan Rathore today said the indomitable spirit of protagonists as shown in movies was worth emulating.
"The dialogues from the film, the songs and the actors have impeccable impact on the life of the audience. I, too, had a collection of films which I used to watch. The films had an impact on my life, especially the spirit of the hero -- not to give up -- that is something we need to emulate," Rathore told reporters on the sidelines of the concluding function of the IFFI 2016.
Rathore, who had won the silver medal in double trap shooting in 2004 Athens Olympics, said patriotism has always been a prominent aspect of Indian films.
"First, there were films on the soldiers and now the movies are produced on sportsman," the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting said.
He said Indian film producers are experienced in their art and are acclaimed worldwide.
"The kind of films that they produce are worth admiring. Our films like 'Three Idiots' are admired even in a country like Korea," Rathore said.
"Our actors are working in Hollywood too. That is something we should feel proud about," he added.
(REOPENS BES22)
Rathore also said the business from the films was to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore in 2015 which is expected to grow to Rs 23,000 crore in 2019.
"It not just the box office that rings every Friday but also the love and affection of the people received by artists who makes the film. Therefore it comes with the sense of responsibility, you represent the country. Every time our people go abroad and do well it gives us great sense of pride," he said.
"To enhance its power and to get more people to shoot in India, we (the central government) have created a single window. What we have tried to do there that anyone who wants to make film in India he has to just apply there. All the permission will be available from there. We also tried to encourage the other stats to do the same," Rathore said.
"We also want our films to do well abroad. Therefore any of our film that goes for international award and wins it, we will fund the movie, it is as good as our athlete going across and winning award for us," he added.
