FICCI FRAMES 23, 02: Minister Piyush Goyal lauds Naatu-Naatu, The Elephant Whisperers and Woman Power

Day 2 of FICCI FRAMES 23 had Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, joining in via video conferencing/ZOOM. “The Government is supportive to all the efforts by the media & entertainment industry to expand the frontiers of the sector, globally.”

Mr. Goyal added that India is on the pathway to becoming a developed nation by 2047. “The next 25 years will be the defining years for India. I'm sure, our entertainment & media industry will make a mark that will be matchless. Your (industry’s) commitment to take Indian cinema on the global map, will help the industry to succeed.”

Lauding FICCI FRAMES – the congregation of stakeholders of Media & Entertainment sector, the Minister said, “I'm delighted to be a part of the event, which has the theme 'inspire, innovate & immerse', which is relevant to the current times. It also reflects the vibrancy that the media industry demonstrates as a key pillar to India's cultural heritage.”

Mr. Goyal averred that the theme also resonates with our belief that creativity can indeed enhance commerce. The M&E industry is today the cultural ambassador of the country and has given a unique identity to India, he noted.

“The Media & Entertainment industry can showcase to the world, the New India of today, boosting the economy, helping the country reach a new audience, influencing opinions, and spreading positivity,” asserted Mr. Goyal.

Appreciating the industry for adopting modern technologies, Mr. Goyal said, “We are looking at a proliferation of technology in the media and entertainment industries. With digital platforms coming up, I believe this industry will grow by leaps and bounds.”

Praising the recent Oscar wins for the 'Naatu-Naatu' song (from the Telugu film RRR, also dubbed in other languages, with music by M.M. Keeravani) and The Elephant Whisperers (directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Douglas Blush, Kartiki Gonsalves, Guneet Monga and Achin Jain) the Minister said these achievements showcase India's emerging contribution in the field of entertainment.

“We gave a social message that sustainability is at the core of our thinking and comes naturally to Indians. We also gave a message of Woman Power, that Indian women of substance are defining the New India,” he added.

“The skill, innovation & technology of the industry is nurturing talents and hard work. Let's together build an industry which entertains, empowers, enlightens & inspires the whole nation, in this journey of progress & prosperity,” he emphasised.

Ms. Jyoti Deshpande, Chair, FICCI M&E Committee; CEO, Viacom 18 Media and President - Media & Content Business, Reliance Industries Ltd, and Mr. Shailesh K Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI, also shared their perspective on the Indian media and entertainment sector.