Srinagar, Sep 9 (KNS: Veteran filmmaker and actor Akbar Khan on Wednesday called for greater responsibility in filmmaking, saying cinema should be used to promote love, harmony and understanding rather than hatred and social division.

Speaking on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) here, Khan said cinema had an unparalleled ability to connect people, cultures and civilisations.
"Cinema is the most powerful medium that makes bridges between nations and civilisations," he said, stressing that filmmakers should use the medium to foster understanding across communities.

Khan also cautioned against using films to distort history or promote hostility between religious groups, while maintaining that every filmmaker had the right to express his or her ideas and artistic interpretation.

"I respect every filmmaker. Every filmmaker has the right to present his film, his ideas, but never distort history," he said.
The veteran filmmaker said meaningful cinema could entertain audiences while simultaneously conveying a positive social message.

"We have to spread love through cinema. We have to give entertainment through cinema - meaningful entertainment," Khan said, adding that films created specifically to spread hatred or propaganda should be discouraged.

Khan praised the organisers of IFFJK and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the festival, saying its cultural presentations and opening events reflected the spirit of the Valley.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He expressed confidence that the festival would grow into a major international cinematic event, arguing that Kashmir offered something few established film festivals could match its landscape, cultural richness and atmosphere.

"I feel from year to year this festival will grow from strength to strength," Khan said, predicting that it could eventually compete with major global festivals.

He said filmmakers visiting Kashmir would not only watch films and interact with their peers but also draw inspiration from the region's cultural heritage and landscape.

Khan referred to his historical television projects, including The Sword of Tipu Sultan and Akbar the Great, saying they were conceived with the broader objectives of nation-building and communal harmony.

He also expressed a desire to bring his film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story to Kashmir for a premiere, describing the Taj Mahal as a universal symbol of love.

The first edition of IFFJK is being held in Srinagar from September 7 to 10, bringing together filmmakers and cinema professionals from India and abroad while showcasing films from Jammu and Kashmir alongside international and Indian cinema.(KNS)