Amitabh Bachchan bats for Marathi film industry

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has said that he wishes to produce quality films in Marathi through his production house AB Corp.

"AB Corp wishes to encourage and promote quality regional cinema including Marathi," Bachchan said at a function here last night.

"Umesh Kulkarni's Vihir produced by our company has been selected in the competition section at the Berlin International Film Festival," he said adding that the film is also to be screened at the London and Seoul festivals.

"We have received invitations from a couple of festivals held across Europe. Similarly, five National Award honours for Marathi film Jogva speaks volumes about the growth and progress of the Marathi film industry," Bachchan said after inaugurating the website of Marathi film music director duo Ajay-Atul, who have bagged the National Award this year for 'Jogva'.

Bachchan recalled that the music duo had scored also for his home production 'Virrudh' and applauded their "impressive" compositions.

The 67-year-old superstar also added that the medium of internet was a great platform to connect with the audiences.

Meanwhile, veteran music composer Pyarelal of the Laxmikant-Pyarelal fame expressed satisfaction that Ajay-Atul were concentrating well on rhythm and exuded confidence that their good work would bear rich dividends.

The website will have all information about the music directors - from their wall papers to songs, trivia. The site will have also a blog by the duo which will serve as a forum to promote their music.

Atul said not much information is available on the internet about their work. "We got requests for more information about us from our fans the world-over. So, we decided to use this medium," he said.

In the last few years, songs like 'Morya Morya', 'Man Udhaan Varyache', 'Cham Cham Karta Hai', 'Kombdi Palali', 'Apasara Ali', 'Vajle ki Bara' have won the duo recognition and awards.

Prominent among those present at the function were MNS president Raj Thackeray, filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Pilgaonkar, actress Sonali Kulkarni and a host of Marathi theatre, television and film actors.