Consulate General of India
Shanghai

Press Release

MoU to promote cultural exchanges signed between Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Centre for China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) – theatrical adaption of ‘Awaara’ movie to be jointly initiated

Ambassador Amarendra Khatua, Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) visited Shanghai from 11-13 October 2016 to deliver the Key Note address at the 18^th China Shanghai International Arts Festival, which commenced on 12^th October at Intercontinental Hotel, Shanghai.

2. The opening ceremony of the 18^th CSIAF was attended by Mr. Yang Xiong, Mayor of Shanghai along with Vice Minister, Culture, Government of China. 

3. Delivering the Key Note address Ambassador Amarendra Khatua emphasized the longstanding bilateral cultural exchanges between India and China and called for increasing greater cultural exchanges, in particular in Tier-II and Tier-III cities in India and China respectively.

4. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between ICCR and CSIAF which calls for cultural performances to be organized in India and China during 2017 and 2018.

5. It may be noted as part of the MoU both sides will also attempt a joint theatrical re-production of the popular Indian movie ‘Awaara’ which would be set in contemporary times and re-enacted as a theatrical version for viewing by contemporary audiences worldwide.

6. It may be noted that ICCR and CSIAF have had close cooperation over the last few years.  In 2015, India was designated as the Guest of Honour country for 17^th Edition of CSIAF in Shanghai and a series of cultural performances, including Bollywood dance performances, as well as an exhibition titled “Forms of Devotion” were put on display at the National Museum in Shanghai. In the last couple of years, several cultural troupes from India have performed in the Eastern China region as part of the ongoing collaboration between ICCR and CSIAF.

CGI Shanghai
October 13, 2016