Bollywood delegation meets PM in Mumbai

A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on one-day visit to Maharashtra, at Raj Bhavan here to discuss the issues being faced by the Indian film industry.

Producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Karan Johar, Sidharth Roy Kapur, the president of the Film Producers Guild, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwwala, Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) were part of the delegation.

Also present at the occasion were actors cum producers Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan, sources said.

The delegation discussed issues pertaining to the film world with the Prime Minister, they said.

This was the second meeting of the film-makers with the prime minister since October 24 this year.

Film makers led by Ritesh Sidhwani, along with actor Aamir Khan, had met the PM for the first time in October.

Indian film industry, which churns out over 1000 films a year, is not just the biggest film industry in the world, but is also one of the most profitable industries in the country, sources said, adding that the industry also wields a global influence.

According to sources, Ritesh Sidhwani urged the prime minister to look towards treating cinema as an "industry" by acknowledging its contribution to the nation's exchequer and fiscal growth, and in promoting bilateral ties between nations as a global cultural ambassador.

Sources said the issues faced by those associated with the film industry and working in field were also discussed with the PM.

"It was a collaborative effort to come forward, address issues and seek solutions from the Prime Minister directly", sources said.

They said the prime minister was "very receptive" and admitted that at his meetings with delegates from all over the world, Indian cinema has always been a subject of conversation which is discussed in depth and much appreciated.

"He (PM) acknowledged that our films are being recognised internationally and agreed that filmmakers are no less important than nation-builders.

"He has assured the delegation that he will personally work towards setting up a special committee to look into the industry matters and address them urgently", sources said, adding that it was a "productive meeting with a positive outcome", sources said.

The prime minister is on a day's visit to Maharashtra in which he will launch infrastructure and housing projects worth about Rs 41,000 crore in the state.