The silver screen increasingly became a battleground for political ideology. Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan today reflected on British censorship, pre-independence films against oppressors, communality and social unity at the inauguration of the Kolkata International Film Festival today.
Then the 80-year-old, who is known for avoiding controversy, made a rare comment on the politically sensitive issue of civil liberties and free speech.
“Even now, and I’m sure my colleagues on stage would agree that questions are being raised about civil liberties and freedom of expression,” Bachchan said.
Shah Rukh Khan shared the stage with him, whose movie “Pathaan” has become the latest target of the “boycott club.”
Mr Khan had sent a positive message. Of social media’s toxic culture, he said it is “driven by a certain narrow-mindedness that confines human nature to its lower self.”
“We are all happy and I am the happiest. And I have no qualms about saying that no matter what the world does, you and me, and all the positive people in the world are alive,” he had added.
Mr. Bachchan greeted his speech and said, “I salute your artistic temperament that embraces plurality and equality”.
