New Delhi - From Raj Kapoor to Aishwarya Rai, Russia's romance with Bollywood continues. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will keep this old affair burning when he visits the master showman's studio in Mumbai and interact with stars.
Medvedev, who touches down here Tuesday on a two-day visit, will head to Mumbai the next day where the focus will shift from fighter planes and nuclear reactors to stardust and soft power diplomacy.
There are plans for Medvedev to go to R.K. Studios, set up by the legendary Raj Kapoor who enjoyed a sort of cult status in Russia, Russian Ambassador Alexander M. Kadakin told IANS. The Russian president is set to meet the
younger generation of the Kapoor clan and other top-billing film stars.
Raj Kapoor's masterpiece "Shree 420" and "Awara" were huge hits in Russia and the famous song 'Mera Joota Hai Japani... Lal Topi Russi" is still sung in restaurants across Moscow.
The two sides are thinking of doing a remake of these films with an Indo-Russian cast, said the Russian envoy.
It won't be just a photo-op. Showbiz will mingle with diplomacy and business as Indian and Russian film makers also explore the prospects of co-producing films. Russia is also trying to lure Bollywood barons to shoot films at
stunningly picturesque locales in Russia.
Russia is the new muse of Indian film producers. Several movies like "No Smoking", "Parwana", "Lucky: No Time for Love" and the yet to be released "Agent Vinod" have been shot in this picturesque country.
There may have been slight ups and downs in India-Russia relations, but one thing has not changed - Russia's enduring affair with Bollywood that goes back to the times when besotted fans would line up for tickets in Russian theatres to see Raj Kapoor films.
In the 80s, Mithun Chakraborty's "Disco Dancer" captivated a new generation of Russians. Now, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai ('Rai' in Russian means 'paradise') are among films stars who are quite popular, said the Russian envoy, who describes India as a superpower in films.
| Other Articles: |
 |
Anti-Muslim RSS is like Nazis: Digvijay Singh (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Sonia's four-point programme to fight corruption (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Engage with local leadership during visits, Sonia urges union ministers (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
No distinction between majority, minority terror: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Congress will hold brainstorming session: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Ensure people know about UPA government's aid: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Attack on PM despicable, Congress solidly behind him: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
We need to know what alienated Kashmiri youth: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
No distinction between majority, minority groups: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Party is above individuals, Sonia's message to Congressmen (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Agra residents form human chain against polythene bags (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Congress chief ministers should set example against corruption: Sonia (20th Dec, 2010) |
|
Sonia attacks BJP on corruption (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Congress 'solidly' behind PM: Sonia (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Bengali bands rock - and make themselves heard! (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Patkar joins Bihar farmers opposing asbestos unit (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Congress workers's views must be heeded: Sonia (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Introspection needed, Sonia tells Congress members (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Congress president has five-year term now (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Woman's body parts found in Haryana, honour killing suspected (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Former separatist held in Tripura for stealing funds (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Srinagar sees coldest day at minus 5.6 degrees (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Warm winter Sunday for Delhi (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Jairam shoots off missives over chopper movement in tiger reserve (19th Dec, 2010) |
|
Delhi township all set for Congress plenary (19th Dec, 2010) |
Today : Saturday - May 26, 2012, 04:05pm (GMT+5.5)
