The Big B has spoken. Amitabh Bachchan disregarded the idea that Indian films should try to win Oscars, saying that Bollywood is even more creative than Hollywood.
India produces about a thousand films in over ten languages each year. No film from India has ever won an Oscar, although Lagaan and Mother India have been nominated.
Bachchan said that he did not believe an Indian film winning an Oscar was the, in his words the “ultimate recognition for any great film”. He also went on to say that it was offending to all Indians to suggest that.
“I do believe that Indian film has its own exhibition,” Bachchan said, referring to the International Indian Film Academy’s annual awards. “Where we respect the Oscars and what they are, our creativity is the best,” he added.
Bollywood, which makes as many as 3 times as many films as Hollywood per year, has captivated movie lovers around the world with its escapist musical extravaganzas.
Bachchan welcomed films that married Western and Indian cinema such as Bride and Prejudice (starring Aishwarya Rai), featuring both Western and Indian actors.
“Any kind of marriage is going to be good when creative interests are common,” Bachchan added.
“I do believe that if the United Kingdom wants to make a film with India, there can only be benefits…”
Bachchan also indicated that he would certainly consider roles from the West.