ICFAI University MBA Hosts Webinar On Contributions Of Indian Cinema

The Indian film industry, renowned for its diversity, romantic narratives and soul-stirring melodies, boasts a rich and extensive history. Revisiting this cinematic legacy captivates many as a fascinating endeavor, but for true film enthusiasts, it represents a subject of profound study and research.

In a bid to delve into the remarkable 120-year saga of Indian cinema, ICFAI University MBA has orchestrated a webinar entitled "Indian Cinema: Contributions Beyond the Cast." The guest speaker for the event was Asha Batra, the Founder Trustee of the Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation and Head of the Cinemaazi Research Centre.

During her address, Asha Batra shared insights about the Indian film industry. She highlighted India's distinction as the world's leading producer of films, churning out an impressive tally of around 1800 films annually. These films span an array of 41 languages, with Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Malayalam reigning supreme. Furthermore, India's films command an extensive viewership across continents, particularly in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, India, Pakistan, and the USA. Batra emphasised that India stands as a global frontrunner in terms of linguistic diversity.

Regarding the preservation of classic films, Batra ardently advocated its significance. "By doing so, we can safeguard the opulent history of the Indian film industry," she asserted.

Batra expounded further, asserting that crafting a successful film transcends mere casting, delving into the collaborative efforts of a multifaceted team. While commonly regarded as the director's domain, she unveiled the intriguing amalgamation of art, technology and finance that contributes to filmmaking. Regrettably, she noted, recognition tends to favour those in front of the camera, overshadowing the efforts of other vital contributors.

When questioned about her motivation behind archiving vintage Indian films, Batra responded, "I am a devoted film enthusiast. Amidst the currents of globalization, we forget about the unique. We don't just collect films; we also collect typewriters, scripts and other relics associated with cinema. History holds immense value and its awareness should permeate society," she added.

Batra proposed, "Our heritage deserves our pride, and we should always try to give back to society. Those passionate about preserving cinema should strive to make it universally accessible and encourage the dissemination of knowledge. Lastly, we must translate these treasures into contemporary mediums, ensuring that the younger generation can effortlessly partake in the cinematic legacy."

Sudhakar Rao, Director of Branding at the ICFAI Group, mused, "Cinema often underestimates its impact on the human psyche, especially in the Indian context. We have introduced a plethora of innovations to infuse greater allure into this art form, transcending international boundaries. The depth and diversity of India's cinematic realm remain unparalleled, birthing exceptional talents spanning artists, directors, technicians, writers and vocalists."