As the film fraternity of the country came together to celebrate and honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with many about the role of artistes in spreading awareness of the teachings of Gandhi. The PM took to social media to announce the #ChangeWithin initiative along with a video made by Rajkumar Hirani Films that featured Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt and Aamir Khan among others reading out poems and excerpts from Gandhi’s writing.

“Spreading the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi through cinema, ensuring more youngsters are well-acquainted with the ideals of Gandhi Ji,” PM Modi further wrote on Twitter.

He also shared pictures of his interaction.

Speaking on the impact of the film and entertainment industries, PM Modi spoke of the potential they have in spreading awareness about the Mahatma’s teachings.

The film fraternity comes together to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi!#ChangeWithin is an excellent effort, which will add momentum towards ensuring Gandhi Ji’s message reverberates far and wide. It will also inspire citizens to take up causes dear to Bapu. pic.twitter.com/cS0RRekqTd

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2019

Spreading the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi through cinema, ensuring more youngsters are well-acquainted with the ideals of Gandhi Ji.

Today’s interaction with leading film personalities and cultural icons was fruitful.

We exchanged thoughts on a wide range of subjects. pic.twitter.com/2xKTEZrVAJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2019

Many Bollywood celebrities thanked the PM for the opportunity of the interaction.

Shah Rukh Khan spoke about the ‘University of Cinema’ as a highlight of the event and wrote on Twitter , “Thank u @narendramodi for hosting us & having such an open discussion on #ChangeWithin & the role artistes can play in spreading awareness of the msgs of The Mahatma. Also the idea of a University of Cinema is extremely opportune!”

To which the PM replied, “When every citizen works Dil Se, the outcome will be exceptional.We will leave no stone unturned to carry forward the message of Bapu in letter and spirit. @iamsrk.”

When every citizen works Dil Se, the outcome will be exceptional.

We will leave no stone unturned to carry forward the message of Bapu in letter and spirit. @iamsrk https://t.co/L0G38kKRvr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2019

Content creator and producer Ekta Kapoor shared a picture with the PM and wrote, “Women in film with the honourable visionary #PrimeMinister.” PM Modi responded to Kapoor’s post and wrote, “Through popular culture, the message of empowering women has travelled far and wide. May this trend continue. May our Nari Shakti keep shining in the world of films and culture”.

Through popular culture, the message of empowering women has travelled far and wide. May this trend continue.

May our Nari Shakti keep shining in the world of films and culture. https://t.co/VaaU8jKlql

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2019

Comedian Kapil Sharma, actor Rakul Preet Singh, Anil Kapoor and Bhushan Kumar among others also shared pictures with him, all the while sharing their experiences of the interaction they had with the PM.

बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद @KapilSharmaK9 जी।

पूज्य बापू के विचारों के प्रचार-प्रसार में फिल्म और मनोरंजन जगत की भूमिका से देश को अत्यधिक लाभ होने वाला है। https://t.co/PNn7FntqQz

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2019

Films connect and make our society better.

Happy to have met you, @itsBhushanKumar. https://t.co/siTK0nwHbq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2019

Yes it does! Individual efforts can pave the way for transformative outcomes. @Rakulpreet https://t.co/CcNWlrJbq7

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2019