Rabat – The embassy of India hosted on Friday a special Indian cinema evening at Cinema Renaissance in Rabat, bringing the acclaimed sports drama “Dangal” to local audiences.
“This was the launch of the India Film Festival in Rabat. We are going to show another movie, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, on Sunday,” the Indian Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, told Morocco World News.
“Indian cinema is very popular in Morocco. People love it, and we wanted to bring different aspects of Indian cinema here so that everyone can enjoy these days.”
Presented in Hindi with French and English subtitles, “Dangal” stars Aamir Khan alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar.
The movie was released in 2016, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and is based on a true story. It follows Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who trains his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to compete at the highest level of international wrestling. Their journey toward the Commonwealth Games unfolds against social expectations and gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
In his youth, Phogat was forced to give up wrestling due to financial hardship. While the sport could bring recognition and honor, it did not offer financial stability.
As he grew older, the disappointment stayed with him. He initially hoped to fulfill his dream through a son. After having daughters, he believed that dream had ended.
However, he eventually recognized the potential of his two eldest daughters. Defying social norms and criticism, he decided to train them himself, setting them on a path that would challenge both tradition and expectation.
Aamir Khan, who portrays Mahavir Singh Phogat, is widely regarded as one of the most influential actors in contemporary Indian cinema. He has starred in several notable productions over the years, including “Lagaan,” “Taare Zameen Par,” “3 Idiots,” “and PK.” These movies have achieved both commercial success and critical recognition.
‘Cinema is an important aspect of friendship between our countries’
The celebration of Indian cinema will continue on February 15, with a screening of the iconic romantic drama “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The movie will also be presented in Hindi with French subtitles.
The screening is part of the embassy’s broader initiative to promote Indian culture and strengthen cultural ties through cinema.
Ambassador Rana added, “We hope to have more such festivals here. And cinema is an important aspect of friendship between our countries.”
Through initiatives such as these, the embassy continues to use cinema as a platform for cultural exchange, offering Moroccan audiences a glimpse into Indian society, culture and traditions.
Read also: Moroccans Growing Up with Movies from Around the World
