I respect all voices of protest: Anil

At a time when several personalities in the country are debating the growing rate of intolerance, actor Anil Kapoor (right) is optimistic that it will be resolved soon. He, however, respects the dissenting voices.

The 58-year-old actor feels that since India is a huge, diverse country, there has always been conflict of opinion. This, he says, 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 other countries,” Anil said at the International Film Festival of India in Goa.

“There’s obviously room to make it better and it had to be done through protests sometimes. I respect everyone who is protesting and presenting their feelings. I respect all the voices of protest. That’s what is great about our democratic country,” he added.

The actor who has featured in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) and Anees Bazmee’s Welcome Back (2015) this year feels that movies and festivals help bring 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,” he said.

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

I respect everyone who is protesting and presenting their feelings. That’s what is great about our democratic country

Anil Kapoor, actor