Anil Kapoor: I respect all voices of protest

At a time when several personalities in the country are debating the growing rate of intolerance, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor is optimistic that it would be resolved soon, but says he respects the protest.

The 58-year-old actor feels that since India is a huge, diverse country, there has always been conflict of opinion and said it is a sign of a healthy democracy.

“India is a great country, it is diverse. We have problems but we always come out with solutions and positivity and have lived happy and peacefully for so many years, unlike many other countries,” Anil told PTI on the sidelines of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which begins here in the western Indian state of Goa on Friday.

“There’s obviously room to make it better and it had to be done through protests sometimes. I respect everybody protesting and presenting their feelings forward. I respect all of them, all the voices of protest. That’s what is great about our democratic country,” said the actor, who is the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony.

The “Dil Dhadakne Do” star said movies and festivals are a very powerful medium in bringing people and the country together in unity as it defies the bonds of caste and religion.

“I think films are such that they don’t see caste or creed. When you go to the theatre as an audience, you can be from any religion but still enjoy the film.

“Cinema is a very powerful medium and through it we can do a lot more than tell stories. It addresses issues. I always believe that you can show things that are disturbing you in films,” he said.

Inputs by PTI