SRK, Aamir Khan hail PM Modi for initiative to popularise Gandhi's ideals via film industry

Actors Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan have hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiative to give the responsibility of popularising Mahatma Gandhi's ideals to the film industry. PM Modi on Saturday interacted with the members of the creative and entertainment world on the ways to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The event was attended by the members of the Indian film and entertainment industry including Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Kangana Ranaut, Anand L Rai, SP Balasubrahmanyam, Sonam Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Sonu Nigam, Ekta Kapoor, and members of the Tarak Mehta group, ETV group.

Addressing the members of the film industry, PM Modi said several people in the entertainment industry have been doing great work when it comes to popularizing the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. In an event organised at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, PM Modi released four cultural videos, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Prime Minister urged the film and entertainment industry to channelise its energy to make entertaining, inspiring creatives that can motivate the ordinary citizens. He reminded them of their immense potential and their ability to bring about positive transformation in society.

"The power of creativity is immense and it is essential to harness this spirit of creativity for our nation. Several people from the world of films and television have been doing great work when it comes to popularising the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi," PM Modi said.

"Gandhi is synonymous with simplicity. His thoughts reverberate far and wide," the prime minister said. Highlighting the impact of Mahatma Gandhi in the present day, PM said that "if there is one thought, one person, who can establish a connect with people all over the world, it is Gandhiji".

He said, "You all do great work but perhaps you do not know about its global influence! Your work has reached all corners of the world. On the part of the government, I am happy to help in any way to ensure the maximum impact of your creative initiatives."

The prime minister also recalled his interaction with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping in Mamallapuram, wherein the president highlighted the popularity of Indian films like Dangal. He also mentioned the popularity of Ramayana in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the event, Aamir Khan praised PM Modi for the initiative and assured that the industry will do "even more".

"First and foremost, I want to appreciate PM for thinking about this effort [further popularising the ideals of Bapu]. As creative people, there is much we can do. And, I assure the PM that we will do even more," Aamir Khan said.

Actor Shahrukh Khan said, "I would like to thank PM Narendra Modi for bringing us all together, that too for a cause such as this [Mahatma Gandhi]. I feel we need to re-introduce Gandhi ji to India and the world."

It was a wonderful interaction, says @aamir_khan.

A great way to involve everyone, says @iamsrk.

Two top film personalities talk about the meeting with PM @narendramodi.

Watch this one... pic.twitter.com/hzhJsKDqsG PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019

At the event, director Aanand L Rai praised PM Modi for giving them the responsibility of popularizing Mahatma Gandhi's ideals by involving them in the initiative.

Aanand L Rai said, "We are accustomed to being known as representatives from the world of entertainment. But, you have also added a spirit of responsibility to this by involving us in popularising the ideas of Gandhi Ji."

Later, PM Modi said, "The members of the film industry came with a lot of suggestions. I am happy to share that we have addressed them to ensure more people can see the brilliant work done by our film personalities." He also appealed the eminent personalities to visit the museum in Dandi and the 'Statue of Unity'.

After the event concluded, Shahrukh Khan tweeted, "Thank you, PM Narendra Modi, for hosting us and having such an open discussion on #ChangeWithin and the role artists can play in spreading awareness of the messages of the Mahatma. Also the idea of a University of Cinema is extremely opportune!"

Thank u @narendramodi for hosting us & having such an open discussion on #ChangeWithin & the role artistes can play in spreading awareness of the msgs of The Mahatma. Also the idea of a University of Cinema is extremely opportune! pic.twitter.com/kWRbNk3xzo Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 19, 2019