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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posed with the heavy-weights from Indian film industry at an event ‘Shalom Bollywood’ organized at a luxurious hotel in Mumbai on Thursday.
Benjamin Netanyahu shared the vibrant pictures with the Indian actors on his social media account on Twitter.
Will my Bollywood selfie beat @TheEllenShow Hollywood selfie at the Oscars? @SrBachchan @juniorbachchan @rajcheerfull @imbhandarkar @vivek_oberoi @ pic.twitter.com/v1r0GIhKLy
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) January 18, 2018
He met with the senior figures of the Indian film industry in a bid to woo Bollywood and convince it to film in Israel. The event was part of the high-profile official outreach programme ‘Shalom Bollywood’ organized by the Israeli government to improve its image abroad.
Filmmaker Anand Patwardhan who was part of the ‘Netanyahu go back’ protest said, real India will continue to support the Palestinian cause.
“We believe in Bollywood. The world loves Bollywood. Israel loves Bollywood. We want Bollywood in Israel. We are putting our money where our mouth is.” He asked the stars attending the event to join him for an ‘Oscar like selfie’.
“Israel offers Bollywood many opportunities with its rich history, culture, diversity and breathtaking landscape,” Daniel Carmon, Israel’s ambassador to India, said in the invitation to Shalom Bollywood.
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Amitabh Bachchan with his daughter-in-law and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan welcomed Netanyahu in Mumbai. Amitabh Bachchan took a keen interest in organizing this event. A week ago he met with the members of Israel’s consulate in India to discuss the program.
Mr. Bachchan at the occasion said: “May cinema further fructify the strength of ties between India and Israel.” The event was a part of Israel’s premier six-day visit to India.
Film critic Anna MM says Israel’s focus on Bollywood is ‘interesting’. “Unlike other Indian industries, Bollywood tends to stay apolitical in the interests of self-preservation and financial gain.”
Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation of collaboration with Bollywood is met with skepticism. Voices within the Indian film industry have resisted against Netanyahu’s interest in furthering ties with Bollywood.
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Many believe that this partnership if cemented can transform Bollywood into a coveted impactful tool for promoting Israel’s agenda globally. Subhasini Ali, a member of India-Palestine Solidarity Committee said:
“Unfortunately, people in public life in India do not come out in support of principles which might displease the ruling regime. Contrast this with the brave actors, celebrities outside India who publicly voice concerns against injustice.”
“Israel offers Bollywood many opportunities with its rich history, culture, diversity and breathtaking landscape,” Daniel Carmon, Israel’s ambassador to India, said in the invitation to Shalom Bollywood.
Film critic Anna MM says Israel’s focus on Bollywood is ‘interesting’. “Unlike other Indian industries, Bollywood tends to stay apolitical in the interests of self-preservation and financial gain.”
It is worth asking whether Israel thought it safer to woo Bollywood than other major industries, such as Kollywood and Mollywood, where at least some major stars may possibly have embarrassed the country by rejecting its overtures and speaking up in favour of the Palestinian cause.
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Filmmaker Anand Patwardhan who was part of the ‘Netanyahu go back’ protest said, real India will continue to support the Palestinian cause.