National Museum of Indian Cinema is like a place of worship, says Akshay Kumar

The National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai was recently reopened to the public for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday, film stars Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon took a tour of the museum to spread awareness about it. The two feature together in Bachchhan Paandey, which is set for release on 18 March.

NMIC was recently mandated to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) as part of the mega merger of the Union information and broadcasting ministry’s media units.

The NMIC has also collaborated with the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) for conducting a vintage car exhibition at the museum premises.

Sharing his experience of the museum visit, Akshay Kumar said in a statement, “I’m overwhelmed to be here. Indeed, it was a pleasure associating with NMIC. I have grown up watching the celebrated films over the years and everybody should come and see this magnificent film museum. If I could add, I’d say it’s almost like a place of worship for a filmmaker as the works of legendary filmmakers have been respectfully archived and portrayed here.”

Sanon was happy to improve her knowledge of Indian cinema. “I was so impressed after exploring the museum. Its curation is delightful,” she said. “I didn’t know Chandralekha (1948) was the first South Indian film that became prominent throughout India and inspired South Indian producers to market their films in North India. [It was] also the most expensive film made in India in the 1940s. The children’s section floor was my favourite, which is activity based and so immersive.”

Neerja Sekhar, additional secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, said, “The National Museum of Indian Cinema has been a dream project which was inaugurated by the honourable prime minister, Shri Narendra Modiji, in 2019. The pandemic has kept museum-goers and cinema-lovers away from the NMIC for long. We now want to welcome people back here. The museum showcases the contributions of legends across India. The museum shall continue to get periodically upgraded.” 

NFDC India managing director Ravinder Bhakar added, “The museum has been built on a par with renowned museums of the world. Currently it’s the best in Asia. What really makes the National Museum of Indian Cinema unique is the invaluable assets and artefacts it displays.”

Sharing the motto of VCCCI, its chairman Nitin Dossa added, “We are honoured and delighted to partner with the NMIC. Our preservation and exhibition personalities match. We exhibit all historically significant vehicles and associated material. VCCCI encourages careful and skilful driving and it’s our duty to highlight the importance of road safety. Members of our club are happy to be invited here. We hope to continue our fruitful association with NMIC. Wishes to all on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav [the celebration of the 75th year of Indian independence].”

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm, except public holidays. The ticket counter closes at 5 pm.