Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin has underscored the deep cultural bond between Russia and India, specifically highlighting the enduring popularity of Indian cinema, which he said is loved by Russian audiences.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group, a major international forum held in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, President Putin commented on the special nature of Moscow’s relationship with New Delhi, which is rooted in decades of shared history.
“We love Indian cinema, I have already spoken about it,” President Putin stated, adding a remarkable detail to illustrate the sentiment. “Actually, Russia is probably the only country in the world, other than India, that has a separate TV channel that streams Indian movies day and night.”
The Russian President’s remarks emphasize that the bilateral ties are not limited to strategic, political, and economic cooperation but are also strengthened by a rich humanitarian and cultural exchange.
The love story between Russia (and the erstwhile Soviet Union) and Indian cinema is long-standing, with iconic stars like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty having achieved superstar status in the region decades ago. Classic films like Awaara and Disco Dancer were monumental box office hits and became cultural touchstones in Russia.
President Putin further noted that the interest in Indian films remains strong today. This admiration for Indian culture comes as the Russian President is preparing for his upcoming visit to India in early December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as a “dear friend” and a “trustworthy partner.”
The statement serves as a potent reminder of the soft power of Indian cinema, which continues to act as a unique cultural bridge between the two nations, transcending geopolitical changes and cementing people-to-people connections
