China Film Festival: Namaste to Indian fans: Jackie Chan

By Ians English

New Delhi: Indian movie buffs have loved his action avatar for years, but Hollywood actor Jackie Chan, who came here for the inauguration of the China Film Festival on Tuesday, showed his jolly side much to the delight of the star-struck audience. He says he is growing old, but it's the audience's love that keeps him going.

"Namaste! Please sit down, sit down," Chan told the over-enthusiastic audience, which stood up and went clickety-click at the packed Siri Fort Auditorium as he took to the stage. He said it was "so exciting" to be here, and he felt "so honoured". "I'm not young anymore, but you all love me. And that is why I do stunts, and risk my life for all you fans," he said as the star of movies like Police Story, Rush Hour and The Myth addressed the audience full of young and old fans.

The Hong Kong-born actor sang in Chinese, but he proved that music knows no language - his song, which he explained was all about "loving your country", regaled his fans. "You may not understand the lyrics, but the music is beautiful," he said. And it was. "Jackie, Jackie! Jackie, Jackie" - the audience cheered on.

The six-day China Film Festival is a joint initiative of the India-China Economic and Cultural Council, India's ministry of information and broadcasting, China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, and the Chinese Embassy in India. Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari was also present at the event for the inauguration. (IANS)

Continue to read more in slide show.

Chinese Zodiac Screening

Chinese Zodiac Screening

The China Film Festival kick-started with the screening of Chan's latest film Chinese Zodiac. The 59-year-old Asian star Jackie Chan said initiatives like the fest will help both the countries understand each others' cinema.

Jackie Chan Addresses His Indian Fans

Jackie Chan Addresses His Indian Fans

Jackie Chan even said that next year, China will be happy to host an Indian Film Festival and he will make sure he attends it. Talking about India as a film market, he said: "I think India is a wonderful market. It has 1.2 billion population and some 12,000 screens. It is a big market, so everybody will concentrate on your country (gradually)."

Jackie Chan Sings A Song

Jackie Chan Sings A Song

When asked about whether he would like to star in a Bollywood movie, Jackie Chan answered, "definitely, absolutely." The Rush Hour star, who enjoys a huge fan following in India, also took to mic to perform his popular song 'Country' live for the Indian audience.

Jackie Chan's Love For Indian

Jackie Chan's Love For Indian

In a press conference, Jackie Chan, who introduced Mallika Sherawat to the world through his 2005 film The Myth, charmed the media by declaring his love for all things Indian -- be it Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots, Bollywood or dishes like 'Kadahi chicken' and 'biryani'.

Jackie Chan Wants To Star In Bollywood Movie

Jackie Chan Wants To Star In Bollywood Movie

"Ten years ago, I stayed in India for a month shooting my film The Myth here with Mallika (Sherawat). I saw lot of movies and watched MTV. I love the singing and dancing. I am a good singer. I hope that Indian directors call me with good roles. Actually, I am a very good actor and not only fight, fight, fight," he said amid laughter.

Jackie Chan On Indian Cinema

Jackie Chan On Indian Cinema

When asked who his favourite Indian actor was, a perplexed Chan said, "Forget it... I forget the name." He recovered soon to add, "So many.. there are so many good Bollywood films not only '3 Idiots' which are not introduced to the world. There is not enough promotion. I know there are many action stars here and beautiful women. Choreographers are really really good, probably the best in the world."

Jackie Chan's Dancing Skills

Jackie Chan's Dancing Skills

The actor may be enchanted by Indian choreography but he does not find himself good when it comes to dancing to a Bollywood number. "The only problem is my head. I can't move it. Hand is okay everyone in Hollywood, they can move their head."

China And India Biggest Film Markets In The World

China And India Biggest Film Markets In The World

Jackie Chan said he was looking forward to see the two countries cooperate in film production as together they would make the world's biggest market. "Today China is the second biggest film market in the world and in the next few years it would be the biggest market in the world. Same thing is with Bollywood. You are 1.2 billion people you have 12000. You are going to be a big market soon and when you are a big market everybody is coming to you, trying to understand your culture... it is a chain."

India-China Bonding

India-China Bonding

The Hollywood actor was not comfortable answering political questions about the recent border tension between India and China. When a question like that came, a surprised Chan said, "Ask me, ask me?" So far comfortable with English, he quickly shifted to Chinese, calling for peaceful films to be made. "We should make movies that talk about peacemaking."

Jackie - A Peace Maker Between India And China

Jackie - A Peace Maker Between India And China

He added, "We can choose who can be our friends but neighbours you cannot choose. We have been neighbours for thousands of years. Why not love each other why hate each other. We should through the films and songs and media and through ordinary people call for peace. We should sing a song at the border."

Jackie On His Action Star Image

Jackie On His Action Star Image

He emphasised that he wanted to move away from his action star image to be known as an actor. "I want to be Asian Robert DiNero and Al Pacino. I used to enjoy action but now I enjoy acting because the life of an action star is really short but you can act till you are 80."

Chan Likely To Star In Stallone's Expendables 3

Chan Likely To Star In Stallone's Expendables 3

Chan counts Sylvester Stallone as someone who has influenced him immensely. "Stallone struggled hard to make Rocky movies and I think all the action stars are influence by this film. He is the reason I came to Hollywood," said Chan, who is likely to star in Stallone's Expendables 3. "Before you ask me about the movie. I want Stallone to announce whether I am in it or not."

Read more about: jackie chan chinese zodiac

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