bBorn in China in the 1980s, I was raised surrounded by my parents’ sweet, if slightly strange, rendition of “Awara Hoon.” his hobby RogueChina’s best-loved Indian film, spanning decades. And therein lies the deep affection of a generation of Chinese people for Indian cinema. On this momentous occasion, we honor Raj Kapoor as a cultural ambassador and the historic debut of Indian cinema in China, a moment that deserves permanent remembrance.

Debut in Indian cinema

Inspired by the spirit of Asian socialist harmony, in 1954, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a historic visit to China, becoming the first leader of a non-socialist nation to do so. The visit paved the way for China and India to bring to Chinese audiences the highly acclaimed “Indian Film Festival”, which was a resounding success in the Soviet Union that year. In 1955, Rogue It started in China through this festival.

From October 17 to 23, 1955, China hosted the “Indian Republic Film Week” (hereinafter referred to as “Indian Film Week”), showcasing documentary series. art and construction of india with feature films like Rogue, two bigha landAnd stormsThese screenings took place in twenty cities, including Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. The event concluded with an impressive viewership of over three million.

During the film week, China also invited a 12-member delegation of Indian film industry professionals headed by Prithviraj Kapoor, who played Raj’s father in the film. RogueThe delegation was warmly welcomed by Premier Zhou Enlai, which was a historic moment as it was the first time that China had started dubbing Indian films, leading to an early wave of popularity and acceptance of Indian cinema in the country.

This article highlights original reports from two major Chinese media outlets of that era, People’s Daily And mass filmTo reflect the sentiments of the Chinese cultural sphere and the general audience towards these Indian cinematic masterpieces.

Statements in official reports

People’s Daily, Established in 1948 as the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, it devoted significant coverage to the 1955 Indian Film Festival. On 17 October, Vice Minister of Culture Xia Yan lauded the opening of the film week, saying, “The Indian film delegation serves as an artistic, friendly and peaceful ambassador to China on behalf of the Government of India and its people.” The newspaper also documented the deep impact the enthusiastic reception of the Chinese audiences had on visiting Indian filmmakers, capping an important moment in the tapestry of China-India cultural exchanges characterized by mutual appreciation and understanding.

At an exchange event at the Dahua Cinema in Beijing on October 18, 1955, Prithviraj Kapoor’s speech was constantly interrupted by the applause of the audience. On the same day, at Beijing’s Jiaodaokou Cinema, Krishna Chander, a member of the Indian film delegation and renowned progressive writer and film screenwriter, after witnessing the warm welcome, inspired the audience to express: “The presence of the Indian people and the voice of the Indian Chinese Cinema is a symbol of friendship and cooperation between India and China.

within film culture

mass filmEstablished in June 1950, it is China’s oldest and most influential popular film culture publication. 19th issue of mass film There was a special issue for the Indian Film Week in 1955. The issue included articles written by famous Chinese writers Bing Xin and Zheng Zhenduo, the most famous Chinese director Cai Chusheng and lead actors of Indian films. two bigha land And Rogue,

Raj Kapoor and Nargis Dutt, who were unable to go to China, wrote articles for a Chinese magazine. Raj Kapoor says, “The screening of Indian films in the People’s Republic of China will greatly strengthen the long-standing cultural ties between these two peace-loving countries… Its theme song ‘Awara Hoon’ also became one of the Is. The most favorite songs among Soviet youth… I hope that Chinese audiences, who are rapidly moving towards an ideal socialist society, will appreciate the exciting conflicts in this film.

Nargis published an article titled “I Saved the Soul of a Vagabond”, in which she concluded, “I would like to talk about the importance of the film Rogue Being shown in China. What I remember as the first significant contribution to strengthening the friendly relations between the people of India and China, especially between Indian and Chinese film workers, was a biographical film that we made in India many years ago. The immortal story of Dr. KotnisDr. Kotnis came to China during the Anti-Japanese War and later sacrificed his life [himself] On the front line. The film was also very popular in India… Friendship and personal contacts between Indian and Chinese film crews are developing rapidly. I salute the Chinese youth in the name of my character Rita in the film and congratulate them for laying the foundation of a socialist society that will not produce ‘vagrants’. I look forward to visiting China.” Chinese writers, in addition to focusing on the three feature films, also showed great enthusiasm for the newly independent India reflected in the documentary collection art and architecture of indiaMs. Bing Xin, renowned author and Chinese translator of Tagore’s poetry, explained in detail how she was impressed by the spirit of the Indian people, the excellent level of craftsmanship and the rich resources of South India in building water conservation. Author Zheng Zhenduo reviewed India’s magnificent civilization, the ancient friendship between China and India, and the “isolation” of the two countries in recent hundred years. Through several parts of the documentary such as “Indian Water Conservation” and “Song of South India”, he said: “Indian scientists, engineers and the public are working so hard for the long-term welfare of the Indian people! Their strength is so great! His will and aspirations are far-reaching and strong!”

Noted Chinese director Cai Chusheng celebrated “Indian Film Week” in an article, highlighting its importance to China’s film industry and cultural landscape. “It is an important event for the Chinese film industry and also an important event in the cultural life of our people… All the works contain many wonderful songs, all of which are very harmonious and beautiful, playing a profound lyrical and narrative role. This is a major feature of Indian national cinema, which we should whole heartedly appreciate…to help our audience understand our close neighbors – the great Indian nation – better. Will help. Long live India-China friendship! Long live!” If you search about the feelings of Chinese common people Rogue And there are countless comments on Raj Kapoor on Chinese websites. But in short, these can be summarized by a listener’s writing published People’s Daily On November 2, 1955, “The high Himalayas cannot separate people’s mutual care,” “Through the film’s story, we feel closer to the Indian people.”

The author is affiliated with Beijing Foreign Studies University.