Kolkata film festival inaugurated

Kolkata, Nov 11 (PTI) Veteran Indian actress Sharmila Tagore has lamented that despite technological advancements and increased budgets, the real India is not depicted in current films. "Although contemporary films have improved in production, I often find there is a disconnect between the India as it exists today and what is shown," she said inaugurating jointly the Kolkata Film Festival here Thursday with Shah Rukh Khan, a leading Indian actor. Pointing out that the face of world cinema has changed and access to films is easy with the internet and DVDs, she said that it had increased the opportunities for both mainstream and independent filmmakers. "There is a need for imagination, intuition and insight. I hope the emerging directors will engage with the world and its new challenges," said the 64-year-old who has also served as the chief of India's Censor Board. Shah Rukh Khan said Kolkata produces the best of Indian cinema and is the country's cultural and literary hub. "I really believe in the cinema of Bengal. We have some of the best cinema coming in from this part of the country," Khan said. He asked the foreign delegates to take some time off and explore the rich heritage of the metropolis besides watching films. "Even by breathing here, you will go back richer in arts and culture," said the 46-year-old actor. About 150 films from 50 countries are being screened in the eight-day festival. PTI