Taiwan's Ambassador Hails Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' as Most Impressive Film
Taiwan's Representative Mumin Chen hails Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' and Aamir Khan's social cinema at the Taiwan Film Festival in India.
In a surprising cross-cultural exchange, Mumin Chen, the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in India, has expressed his deep admiration for Indian cinema, specifically singling out Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' as the most impactful film he viewed last year.
Speaking during the Taiwan Film Festival in New Delhi, Chen revealed that his affinity for political cinema stems from his own professional background. As a professor of political science currently serving as an ambassador, he finds himself naturally drawn to movies that explore the complexities of power and governance.
Admiration for Bollywood Icons
Beyond his praise for 'Dhurandhar', the diplomat shared his long-standing respect for other pillars of the Indian film industry. He spoke highly of Aamir Khan, noting that he has followed the actor's journey since his early days. Chen specifically lauded Khan's transition into a producer who tackles critical social issues and reflects the realities of Indian society through his work.
The ambassador didn't stop there, adding that he is also a fan of other global Indian icons, including Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting the universal appeal of Bollywood's biggest stars.
Bridging Cultures Through Cinema
The comments came amidst the celebrations of the Taiwan Film Festival, an event designed to introduce Indian audiences to the culture, technology, and spirit of Taiwan. While the festival has been an annual fixture in Delhi, it expanded its reach to Mumbai this year to engage a wider audience.
Chen noted a significant gap in awareness, stating that while both Taiwanese and Indian people share a passionate love for movies, very few Indians are familiar with Taiwanese cinema. To bridge this gap, the festival curated a mix of dramas and documentaries aimed at providing a comprehensive view of Taiwan.
Showcasing the 'Spirit of Taiwan'
One of the highlights of the festival included a film about Taiwan's baseball team winning a world championship. For Chen, this was more than just a sports story; it was a testament to the "spirit of Taiwan"—a message of perseverance and the refusal to give up in the face of adversity.
The ambassador also used the platform to highlight Taiwan's global strengths, particularly its leadership in the semiconductor industry and high technology, suggesting these areas are prime for closer cooperation between the two nations.
A Vision for Future Collaboration
Looking ahead, Mumin Chen expressed a strong desire for deeper ties between the film industries of India and Taiwan. While acknowledging that some Indian films have been shot in Taiwan and a few joint ventures have existed, he believes there is untapped potential for more collaboration.
"India is a big movie country, and Taiwanese people also like to see movies very much. This is a good opportunity for both sides to cooperate in the future," Chen remarked.
The ambassador emphasized that this exchange should be a two-way street, voicing his hope that more Indian films find their way to screens in Taiwan, further strengthening the cultural bond between the two regions.
Isabelle Ling, head of the cultural division of TECC, further detailed that this year's expanded program in Delhi and Mumbai was specifically designed to showcase diverse narratives through documentaries and dramas, offering a window into the Taiwanese identity.