Team News Riveting
Raipur, December 21
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday attended the programme Chhattisgarhi Filmo Ke Safar – “Journey of Chhattisgarhi Films”, organised by the Chhattisgarh Film Vikas Nigam on the occasion of the state’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.
The event was held at Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, Science College campus, Raipur. On the occasion, the Chief Minister shared his views in detail on the growth, achievements and promising future of Chhattisgarhi cinema.
In his address, Sai recalled the contribution of former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh in the formation of the Chhattisgarh Film Vikas Nigam, stating that he played a significant role in laying a strong foundation for Chhattisgarhi Cinema – Chhollywood. He also paid tribute to the corporation’s first chairman, late Rajesh Awasthi, saying his untimely demise was an irreparable loss not only to Chhattisgarhi cinema but to the entire state.
Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarhi cinema has now entered a new era. Appreciating the sitting chairperson of the corporation, Ms Mona Sen, as an experienced, hardworking and dedicated artist, he expressed confidence that under her leadership, Chhollywood would witness all-round development. He said that in the coming years, Chhattisgarhi films would further strengthen the state’s culture, art and identity at national and international platforms.
Referring to the historical journey of filmmaking in Chhattisgarh, CM Shri Sai said that film production in the state began in the year 1957. He termed the National Award received by film “Bhulan The Maze” is based on the novel Bhulan Kanda, as a matter of pride for the entire state. The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarhi cinema is deeply rooted in folk culture, folklore and social concerns, which gives it a distinct identity. “Chhattisgarhi cinema is a living document of our folk culture and cultural identity,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is working with full seriousness and commitment towards the development of Chhattisgarhi films. As part of this effort, Chitrotpala Film City is being developed, for which an amount of Rs 150 crore has been approved. Expressing confidence in the bright future of Chhollywood, CM Shri Sai said the government would extend all possible support to take the film industry to new heights.
Extending greetings on the Silver Jubilee year of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said that this historic year is scripting a new chapter of all-round development for the state. He expressed hope that the programme would prove to be a milestone in the direction of Chhattisgarhi cinema’s growth.
On the occasion, CM Shri Sai also felicitated eminent producers and senior artists who have made significant contributions to Chhattisgarhi cinema, including Shri Mohan Sundrani, Shri Satish Jain, Shri Santosh Jain, Shri Manoj Verma, Shri Anuj Sharma and Shri Prem Chandrakar.
Addressing the gathering, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation chairperson Ms Mona Sen welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for the reorganisation of the corporation. Thanking Shri Satish Jain, producer of the iconic Chhattisgarhi film Mor Chhainha Bhuiyan. She said the film played a crucial role in giving Chhattisgarhi cinema a new identity. She reiterated her commitment to the holistic and sustainable development of the Chhattisgarhi film industry.
