SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI INAUGURATES WOMEN'S RETROSPECTIVE

The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has stated that it is difficult to think of any aspect of cinema without recalling the enormous contribution that women have made to various aspects of film-making, and added that distinguished women film personalities will be significantly portrayed in the annals of film history of India for their role in shaping Indian cinema and influencing the common man by their portrayals in various films. Shri Naqvi was inaugurating the Retrospective of "Women in Cinema" at the International Film Festival of India-99 at Hyderabad this afternoon.

    Stating that the Women's Retrospective will screen four films of Dr. Bhanumati Ramakrishna, and three each of Mrs. Shabana Azmi and late Mrs. Savitri, he expressed confidence that this retrospective will spur film-makers of this country as well as of other countries to portray women in a decent perspective, adding that women, all over the world, have played a most important role in safeguarding and preserving ageold societal values.

    Shri Naqvi has further stated that Indian culture is beautiful and its various aspects and nuances have been spread all over the world. He has said that in India, even today, there have been no restrictions on the freedom of expressing different aspects of the art of film-making. He expressed the opinion that it would be better if people view the films for the sake of message and other cinematic values they present rather than going for strict compartmentalisation of movies into art movies and commercial ones.

Shri M. Murali Mohan, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Film Development Corporation, paid rich compliments to Dr. Smt. Bhanumati Ramakrishna, Mrs. Shabana Azmi and late Mrs. Savitri and stated that these ladies have enriched the stature and honour of Indian cinema.

    While Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao honoured Dr. Bhanumati Ramakrishna with a shawl and spoke on her achievements, Shri Shyam Benagal spoke on Mrs. Azmi's works and honoured her with a shawl. Shri Dasari Narayana Rao remembered Savitri and narrated her various histrionic talents in different films and honoured her daughter Smt. Vijaya Chamundeswari.

    Smt.Malti Sahai, Director of Film Festivals, welcomed the delegates. Shri G. Hanumantha Rao, President, Film Federation of India, also spoke on the occasion. Shri P.G. Mankad, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, proposed the vote of thanks. Smt. N.J. Krishna, Principal Information Officer, was also present on the occasion.