Aamir Khan writes editorial for ET

Aamir Khan's editorial as guest editor in today's economic times........

ACCEPTING the job of guest editor of The Economic Times is among the more unwise responsibilities I have taken on in a long time. I can just about spell 'economic' and 'time' I never seem to have. Banking, investment, economics, corporates, business news are terms which bring a glazed look to my eyes. My contribution to some of the more serious articles in this edition is minimal. My forte remains entertainment and that's what I have chosen to write about today.
The stories I've commissioned and the ET team has put together reflect some of the issues that I feel the Indian film industry needs to address. If this journey is to be a success, all the constituents, writers, technicians, exhibitors, distributors and not just stars, directors and producers, need to benefit from the expansion and growth of the film industry.
The business of films is the business of telling stories. By its very nature this business requires that we make a new and different product each time. Therefore, a new story each time or at least an old story told differently. Are we, and have we been, giving enough importance to the script and writer in a business which is all about telling stories? Think of your 10 favourite films… and try and remember the names of the writers.
With the advent of multiplexes, admission rates in cinema halls have gone up more than five times. However, the profit to the producer and distributor has gone down. Mysterious. Every release sees a battle between the exhibitor on the one hand and the distributor and producer on the other. What would be a fair revenue sharing formula? Is there any logic to the current equation? When will the three sectors realise that each one needs the other?
Another issue close to my heart is the failing rural economy. This is the only non-entertainment story that I've contributed — the sharply increased debt burdens among the poorer rural groups and increased distress. How long can we ignore this crisis?
Pakistan is a country we share a lot more with than just our boundary. With common languages, cultures, similar emotional keys, etc., it is supremely strange, and if I might add, foolish that we do not officially release our films to each others' audiences. The Pakistan film industry has been consistently losing patronage. Over the years, cinema halls in that country have greatly reduced in number and are seeing a reduction in admissions. It is now imperative for them to get audiences to start coming back to their theatres. What better way for that to happen than to release Indian films in their cinemas? Once audiences return to the theatres, the exhibition sector will get stronger and in turn the distribution, production and creative sectors.
The strong creative talent in Pakistan has great potential to entertain, and both countries will greatly benefit from co-productions and the meeting of minds. India can be a huge territory for Pakistani films, including the films made there in Punjabi. Likewise, Pakistan can be another huge territory for Indian films. But more than business and creative excitement, another big benefit is the cultural and social exchange which has a priceless impact on all of us. Remember that most Pakistanis are familiar with us through our films — albeit watched on pirated discs. But all we know about them is through the news, and therefore our overwhelming impression is that they are a country which is riven with bomb blasts, terrorism and religious extremists. Strong social and cultural exchange between the two countries will go a long way in removing misconceptions, creating understanding and bringing us closer.
And now, having bored you stiff let me get back to my primary job, of entertaining you. I'm off to my film set. Happy reading. Love.