The silver screen increasingly becoming a battleground of political ideology, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan dwelt at length over British censorship, pre-Independence films against oppressors, communalism, and on social unity at the inauguration of Kolkata’s International film fest today.
Then the 80-year-old, known to steer clear of controversies, made a rare comment on the politically sensitive issue of civil liberties and freedom of expression.
“Even now, and I’m sure my colleagues on stage would agree questions are being raised on civil liberties and freedom of expression,” Mr Bachchan said.
Sharing the dais with him was Shah Rukh Khan, who movie “Pathaan” has become the latest target of the ‘boycott club’.
Mr Khan had sent a message of positivity. On thetoxic culture of social media, he said it is “driven by a certain narrowness of view that limits human nature to its baser self”.
“We are all happy and I am the happiest. And I have no qualms in saying, that no matter what the world does, me and you, and all positive people in the world are alive,” he had added.
Mr Bachchan had hailed his speech, saying, “I salute your artistic temperament that embraces plurality and equality”.
