Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday called upon artists of the Bhojpuri film industry to become brand ambassadors of Bihar and use cinema to showcase the state’s rich culture, heritage, and positive transformation to audiences across the country and the world.Inaugurating the grand finale of a Bhojpuri event here, the CM said Bihar has changed, and people from the film industry are welcome here. He urged artists and filmmakers to identify a suitable location for establishing a film city in Bihar. He said the govt would provide necessary support and facilities to encourage young people to pursue careers as actors, directors, writers, musicians, and other professionals associated with the film industry.He said cinema could play a major role in presenting Bihar’s civilisation and heritage in a positive manner. Referring to the state’s tourism and eco-tourism initiatives, he said its historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural traditions were increasingly being showcased to the world. He said Bihar is the place where even the setting sun is worshipped.The CM appealed to artists to move beyond being mere content creators and become investors in Bihar’s creative economy. “Let us all work together to build a better, prosperous, and developed Bihar,” he said.Samrat said his govt was extending all possible support to promote film production in Bihar. He said permission had already been granted for shooting 54 films in the state.The CM said the govt will support for film shoots in Angika, Magahi, Vajjika, and Maithili, along with Bhojpuri.Highlighting Bihar’s historical importance, the CM said the state had played a crucial role in India’s golden age nearly 2,000 years ago. Universities such as Nalanda and Vikramshila had spread knowledge across the world, while Patliputra had remained an important centre of governance and culture.He also highlighted government initiatives in education and infrastructure, including 700 model schools and improvements in roads, metro, and rapid rail connectivity.Bhojpuri actor-singer and MLC Pawan Singh, actor and former MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, MLA Alok Kumar Singh, MLC Santosh Kumar Singh, senior vice-president of a global media and entertainment company Sita Lakshmi V Iyer, actors Kajal Raghwani and Pakkhi Hegde among others were also present on the occasion.
