Gautam Adani Celebrates Indian Cinema's Potential: Urges Students at Whistling Woods to Shape India's Global Narrative

Mumbai:

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, recently commended students of Whistling Woods International, referring to them as the "Gems of Bharat" during his visit to the prestigious film institute. During the event, he shared the stage with notable film personalities including Rajkumar Hirani, Kartik Aaryan, and Jackie Shroff, whom he acknowledged as "icons" of the industry.

The business magnate took to social media to share a collection of images from his address to the students, alongside a photograph featuring himself with acclaimed filmmaker Subhash Ghai, actor Kartik Aaryan, and other prominent figures from the entertainment world.

In his caption, Adani expressed: "Always energizing to be among the youth of our nation. And when that youth comes from @whistling_woods, the energy turns electric. Thank you, @subhashghai1, for giving our country a powerhouse of creativity and passion - every corner of your institute radiates inspiration."

He further added, "Sharing the stage with icons @hirani.rajkumar, @apnabhidu, @kartikaaryan and Mahaveer Jain made the evening even more special! To the students - you are the gems of Bharat. Let your Bharatiyata light the path to India's greatness."

During his address on Friday, Adani emphasized the critical importance of India taking control of its global narrative through cinema, storytelling, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. He stated, "If we do not narrate who we are, others will rewrite who we were. That is why we must own our story, not with arrogance, but with authenticity, not as propaganda, but as purpose."

The industrialist referenced Raj Kapoor's legendary film 'Awara', highlighting how the iconic actor connected emotionally with Soviet audiences in the post-World War II era. Adani described Kapoor as "India's finest advocate of soft power," who established a cultural bond that strengthened Indo-Soviet relations for generations.

Adani cautioned against allowing Western perspectives to dominate narratives about India, citing films like 'Gandhi' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' as examples. "Why must it take Richard Attenborough from across the oceans to tell us Indians the story of our Mahatma?" he questioned.

He remarked that historically, "India's voice has been firm within our own borders but faint beyond them. And in that silence, others have lifted the pen, sketching Bharat through their lenses tinted by bias and shaped by their convenience."

The billionaire businessman specifically criticized 'Slumdog Millionaire', describing it as "a spectacle that sold Dharavi's poverty for Western applause, turning our pain into foreign award-winning ceremonies."

In contrast, Adani noted that Hollywood productions like 'Top Gun' serve purposes beyond entertainment: "It is not just selling cinema; it is projecting power." He observed that such films showcase national pride, military might, and drive exports while projecting American values globally. "These films are not just stories. They are strategic instruments designed to shape perception, project US strength, and define US identity," he concluded.

(Disclaimer: New Delhi Television is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.)