‘Awaara’ had a great impact on me: Jia Zhangke

MUMBAI: Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke says actor-director Raj Kapoor’s “Awaara” had a great impact on him and he likes the movie so much that he even sings its title track.

“When I was young I had seen ‘Awaara’ and the film had great impact on me. Till date I remember that film. Throughout the day I was singing ‘Awaara Hoon’ song as I am in India,” Jia said in an interview here.

“The film showed equality and it’s good. This film made us think that we all our equal. The respect towards the poor people made me think (about such people),” added the director.

For Jia, Kapoor was a great actor.

“Raj Kapoor is a fabulous actor. Its like a silent film Raj Kapoor had less dialogues but he did well,” he added.

“Awaara” helmed by Raj Kapoor, who also essays the lead role, was a hit.

Jia said films like “3 Idiots”, “PK” are seen by more people in China.

“I have recently seen ‘3 Idiots’ and I liked it. I would like to see more Indian art films, they are less promoted. I would like to see art, realistic films,” he added.

Sonu Sood and Jackie Chan have teamed up for a film titled “Kung Fu” and Chinese actress Zhu Zhu will be seen in Salman Khan starrer “Tubelight”. And Jia is glad that Indian and Chinese artists are working together. (AGENCIES)