Bollywood lures the dragon

If you think that the Bollywood movies, with their potential for transporting the audience into a dream world of fantasy, would not be welcome in the Communist China then you could be wrong.

It is just not Buddhism that ties the Chinese society with India but also the new breed of Bollywood movies that are playing a role in synthesising the cultural bonds between the two Asian giants and economic powers.

"Bollywood films are very popular in China. They can compete with the Hollywood hits. '3 Idiots' particularly became very popular in our country," said Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan who interacted with an audience assembled at the opening of the first 'India-China Centre' here this week.

Asked to describe the cultural bonds that unite the two neighbours, who have had the ups and downs in their relationship, the Ambassador was quick to respond.

"The Buddhist philosophy from India is a strong influence that has enriched and contributed to our culture. Then there is yoga from India which is also popular with the opening of training centres in the country.

"Another influence is the Bollywood films which are becoming very popular in China. Bollywood films are competing with the Hollywood hits," said the Chinese envoy to India.

Highlighting the cultural harmony, Zhang said, "My embassy staff too is undergoing training in yoga", drawing an applause from the audience comprising academicians, social workers, businessmen and diplomats who included former Indian Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen.

The opening of the centre here was happening in 2012, being celebrated as the "Year of Dragon" in China, denoting good fortunes as per the Chinese zodiac, he noted.