‘Technical aspect, digitisation made India largest film producing country’

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee has credited "technical aspect" and "massive digitisation" for making India one of the largest film producing countries in the world.

Addressing a gathering at Vigyan Bhawan here on Tuesday at the 63rd National Film Awards ceremony, Mukherjee said: "Particularly, this year I am noticing that not only the feature films, actors and those who are associated with feature films but all aspects of cinema, including the technical aspect and massive digitisation has made India one of the largest film producing countries in the world."

The President also shared the turnover of the Indian film industry.

"I am told that during the year 2015 the turnover of the Indian film industry was Rs.138 billion as against Rs.126 billion the year before (2014). The external revenue earning also increased by one billion -- from Rs.8.6 billion in 2014 to Rs.9.6 billion in 2015," he added.

Mukherjee lauded the all aspects of Indian film industry, which has prospered nationally and globally.

"The journey of the Indian film industry has not been very smooth. It had its ups and downs but despite that, today in all aspects, the Indian Film industry has prospered and made its mark amidst the national and international viewers," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee, who honoured veteran film actor and director Manoj Kumar with the 47th Dadasaheb Phalke Award, has wished the "Upkar" star good health and "many more years to contibute in the Indian film Industry".

"I am delighted...particularly to have the privilege to honour Manoj Kumar with Dadasaheb Phalke Award. I wish him good health and also many more years to contribute in our 100-year-old film industry," he said.

The president also mentioned that he is "glad to find some of these award winners are new comers."

"But there are some, who are legends and living legends in the film industry like Amitabh Bachchan," he added.