(Image source from: Amitabh Tries To Draw Attention On ‘Diversity Importance’})

Actor Amitabh Bachchan quoted Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry at the opening of the 21st Kolkata International Film Festival that happened on Saturday. The attempt from the Big B was intended to draw attention to importance of upholding “Indian’s diversity and equality at a time when cultures are being questioned.”

Bachchan recited lines from national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, written by Tagore. He said that the stanzas exemplify “Bharat Mata’s unconditional love for all her children”.

“The first verse, ladies and gentlemen, is our National Anthem but the other verses are just as relevant in holding India’s diversity and equality at time when cultures are being questioned and prejudices against communities are dividing the world. Now more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to each other,” Bachchan said. The star added that the best medium for dialogue could be cinema.

“By looking at films which capture different ethnicities, we give a window to what makes people all over the globe different and also what makes them similar. This essential understanding rises above stereotypes and acknowledges both the unity and the diversity in humanity,” Amitabh said.

During the occasion, Amitabh also spoke about his association with Kolkata. He spoke about the ways in which pluralistic and inclusive society, culturally diverse and the rich legacy of Bengal literature paved way for cinema that looked with concern at social disparities.

“Films from here have mattered because they have had extraordinary understanding by moving us closer to cultures, problems and realities that are distant from those we know well,” Big B said.

-Sumana