India's G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Wednesday said Indian films reflect the soft power of the country as well as its unity and diversity.
He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the G20 Film Festival organised by the India International Centre (IIC) in collaboration with the G20 Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs.
Satyajit Ray's 1955 black-and-white classic film Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road) opened the festival, which will run till September 3.
Kant, who was the chief guest at the event, said films reflect the "unity and diversity" of India.
"I have been a great believer in Indian films. Our G20 presidency is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam': One Earth, One Family, One Future... Indian films truly reflect the soft power of India. More than anything else, they reflect the unity and diversity of India. And, there's no better way to start a film festival than to show Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali," he said.
Tourism and culture are two major components of G20, Kant added.
"They have helped us promote the soft power of India. Unlike other countries, India has done its G20 presidency very differently. It has taken G20 out to every state of India across 60 cities," Kant said.
"It has used the opportunity to improve infrastructure in many cities. The soft power has helped to market all the states vigorously," he said.
The film gala also helped bring G20 to the people and not let it become "just a bureaucratic or government exercise", Kant said.
IIC president Shyam Saran said such festivals help people appreciate the art of cinema from various countries. "Films play an important role in terms of bridging a divide amongst countries. You have seen the role that has been played by Bollywood itself," he said.
"That is something whose popularity stretches right across the world. They have brought people together. Perhaps we underestimate the role that films can play in promoting international understanding and a sense of togetherness," Saran added.
The G20 Film Festival will present 16 seminal award-winning international feature films which reflect the issues and concerns of each country, engaging with questions of identity, of memories and remembrance, issues of gender, and social polity.
Some of these titles are We are Still Here (Australia), Ana. Untitled (Brazil), Aristocrats (Japan), Mezquite's Heart (Mexico), Decision to Leave (South Korea), and My Night (France).
Entry to all the screenings is open to all and is free of charge. The screenings will be held at the CD Deshmukh Auditorium at the IIC.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.