Quoting the medium of films is a “silent power” PM Modi saturday said it will quietly influence the peoples thought process and contribute to bringing out major social changes and boost development in the country.
“How’s the josh,” the PM asked the audience “Uri” style when he inaugurated India’s first National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in film capital of India in Mumbai. He said without the viewers even realising it, films change their thinking process, as movies and society are “reflections” of each other.
Set up at a cost of Rs 140 crore, the NMIC will help viewers understand the glorious history of Indian films and help film students, filmmakers, fans and critics learn and understand about cinema as a medium of artistic expression in the country and globally.
The museum displays a collection of rare artefacts like vintage cameras, projectors, old and new editing and recording equipment, costumes, photographs and other materials since the dawn of Indian cinema in 1913 with the first full-length feature film “Raja Harischandra” made by the legendary Dhundiraj Govind Phadke, known as Dadasaheb Phalke.
The NMIC project was undertaken by the state-owned Navratna public sector undertaking, NBCC (India) Ltd, and is a delightful treat for historians, tourists and film buffs from all over the world thronging the country’s film headquarters.
Designed by the National Council of Science Museums, it was first envisaged in 1997 and set up in the 19th-century heritage bungalow, Gulshan Mahal and in another adjacent modern five-storied building, spread across 12,000 sq metres, in the heart of south Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion Modi said, Indian films represent the country around the world, show a ‘mirror’ to the people outside, help improve our image globally, with our films, music, songs, stars creating a long-lasting impact in many countries.He added,youngsters hailing from smaller towns or Tier II-III cities are emerging in a big way and creating waves in the film industry. Our strength is now coming out of such small places. This is a sign of changing times and society.
