Embassy of India

Mr. Talantbek Tolobekov, Director of the Cinematography Department,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening,

We are pleased to organise ‘Days of Indian Cinema’ in Bishkek coinciding with organisation of 56^th India-International film Festival in Goa, India being held after a gap of 12 years.  We bring to the Kyrgyz audience timeless classic Indian Movies ‘Dangal’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ), ‘English Vinglish’ and ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and through these Indian movies will also take the audience on an emotional journey to India, UK, Switzerland, USA and Spain as these movies have been shot in these countries.

          As you all are aware, Indian movies have been popular in Kyrygz Republic since the Soviet times and many amongst you still yearn to watch ‘Seeta aur Geeta’ or ‘Disco Dancer’ and Song ‘Goron Ki Na Kaalo Ki, Duniya hai Dilwalon Ki’ is still played during weddings and other social gatherings. 

          Infact, Molmol Ensemble which participated in an India International Folk Festival received huge applause and were much appreciated when they sang this song in their performances using traditional Kyrgyz musical instruments in India from 4-11 October.

          Yesterday while interacting with students of Bishkek State University, when I asked the students what comes to their mind first about India, many of them said it was Indian Movies and that led me to recall my first interaction with kyrgyz officials on my arrival in mid – January where in they had suggested if Embassy could bring Shah Rukh Khan to perform in Bishkek.

          Today, I can say with pleasure that we have brought not only Shah Rukh Khan  but also Aamir Khan, Sri Devi, Farhan Akhtar, Hritik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif and others to Bishkek by screening movies starring them. 

          And this would not have been possible without support of Department of Cinematography under Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic and we sincerely thank them for their support and cooperation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

          India is not only the country with the largest population and 5^th largest economy in the world; India is also the largest producer of movies annually by volume (2500 movies were produced in 2023 in over 20 languages as per WIPO Data) and also a leading country in terms of cinema revenue with significant domestic box office. 

          Indian cinema which started its journey in 1913 with ‘Raja Harish Chandra’ being first film and ‘Alam Ara’ being first talkie produced in 1931 has indeed come a long way. 

          Indian Cinema often popularly known as Bollywood is itself a separate world because of its sheer size. However, India’s cultural diversity is also reflected through regional film industries like Tamil, Telgu, Malyalam, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Punjabi etc as India produces films in 39 languages and dialects, with at least 5 regional industry larger than most national cinemas.  Embassy would try to organise screening of Regional Movies to showcase our rich cultural diversity. 

          Indian Cinema is not only a mean of entertainment, it is also a reflection of our society, our dreams, our aspirations and our identity.  The journey of Indian Cinema since independence has captured the resilience of newly independent nation and showcased the aspirations of modern India. 

          Indian cinema also shapes social norms and values and in a country with immense diversity, fosters a sense of shared national identity and unity in diversity.  It also has a profound impact on fashion and lifestyle.

          Indian Cinema also serves as a global Ambassador for Indian culture, traditions and values building connections across borders. The global popularity of Indian films contributes to India’s ‘Soft Power’, influencing how other nations’ people perceive India.  Indian Movies offer a glimpse of India’s democratic and pluralistic identity attracting tourism.  Cinema has been accorded status of ‘Industry’ in India unlocking means for financing as it also creates lot of jobs and is a major economic force.  The “Song and Dance” sequences in “Masala” Indian movies add to full entertainment and have also popularised Indian music across the globe.  The locations where Indian movies are shot often become popular tourist destinations. 

          India and Kyrgyz Republic also has seen shooting of films and songs in our respective countries.  Many would recall Sanjay Dutt starrer ‘Torbaaz’ was shot in and around Bishkek and other beautiful locations here in 2016.  Many song sequences have also been picturised on the banks of beautiful Issy Kul lake. Similarly, Kyrgyz movie ‘AYASH 4’ was shot in India.  Both the countries are discussing a MoU on cooperation in the field of Cinematography.

          Right now, Mr. Almaz Tulekeev, Director of the State Film Centre “Kyrgyztasmasy” & Ms. Nurgul Moldosheva, Head of International Cooperation, Department of Cinematography are participating in WAVES Bazaar at 56^th India International Film Festival.  Films from both countries participate in each other’s Film Festivals and famous film personalities also act as juries in each other’s film festivals.  Ms. Gulbara Tolomushova is regular jury member in Kolkata Film Festival. 

          We look forward to more intense cooperation in cultural field and people to people linkages with the Kyrgyz Republic.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

          Would also like to appreciate ‘Kauhar’ and ‘Taberik’ ensembles for presenting famous Bollywood ‘dance and song’ sequences as a prelude to the Days of Indian Cinema.

          Would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, National Film Development Corporation of India, External Publicity Division of Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Cinematography of Kyrgyz Republic and Director of Kyrgyz National Drama Theatre and Director, Ala Too Cinema for their support and cooperation.