INDO-ARMENIAN FRIENDSHIP NGO
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Frunzik Mkrtchyan: India Remembers Me" Premiers in Yerevan
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On August 14 the premiere of the documentary film, "Frunzik Mkrtchyan. India Remembers Me" took place at the Moscow Cinema in Yerevan. The film primarily evolves around the great Armenian actor Mher (Frunzik) Mkrtchyan's roles in Indian films.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the republic of Armenia, Mr Arthur Martirosyan was the Guest of Honour, while the President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Member of Indian Parliament, Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who is on an official visit to Armenia, graced the premiere as the Chief Guest. His Excellency Kishan Dan Dewal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republics of Armenia and Georgia also attended the event. Among the prominent guest was Mr Mnatsakan Safaryan, Head of Asia-Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Mr Arthur Ohanyan,Second Secretary, Asia-Pacific and Africa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Acting Rector of Yerevan State University and former head of India-Armenian Friendship Group of the Armenian Parliament Mr Hovhannes Hovhannisyan was also present.
The list of attendees also included a number of representatives from the diplomatic core stationed in Armenia, film critics, actors, artists and friends of Frunzik.
The event began with the lighting of the lamp, which was followed by the felicitation of the guests
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The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Mr Arthur Martirosyan addressed the gathering, followed the President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. Ambassador of India to Armenia HE KD Dewal, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO President Mr Rananjay Anand and Co-Founder and President of the Council for Cultural Relationships between Georgia and India, Mr Davaid Bejitashvili also gave opening remarks.
In his address, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Mr Arthur Martirosyan noted that the premiere of the film emphasizes the strong cultural ties shared by India and Armenia.
"Armenian-Indian cultural ties have a long history and solid foundations. Events are often organized in both countries, which promote, reaffirm and strengthen the cultural ties of our friendly countries, while also introducing to the public the centuries-old cultures of our countries. "I am confident that this event will contribute to the development of effective Armenian-Indian cooperation in the field of culture, and to the implementation of joint programs and new creative opportunities," said the Deputy Minister. level.
Similar sentiments were also evoked by the Chief Guest, Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who congratulated the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO on the 10th anniversary of their establishment and assured the Armenian Government representatives of the readiness of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to strengthen Indo-Armenian cultural and educational ties.
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Following the speeches, the Shakti Song and Dance Group of the Indian Cultural Centre presented the guests with a beautiful performance of “Khatuba”, the famous movie from Ali Baba and Chalis Chor in which Frunzik played the role of Mustafa.
The 40-minute documentary has been produced jointly by the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO and the Chamber of Cultural Relationships of Georgia and India (NPLE) in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Armenia and Georgia. The documentary project was supported by Indus Aurora Holidays. Proshyan Brandy Factory came on board as an institutional partner during the premiere.
Mher (Frunzik) Mkrtchyan was a legendary Armenian actor who was one of the icons of the Soviet Film Industry. During his illustrious career, he acted in many Soviet and International films, including Bollywood movies. The legendary actor was seen on the Bollwood screen through his roles in "Ali Baba Aur 40 Chor", and "Sohni Mahiwal".
Featuring some of his co-stars and friends from India, Armenia and Georgia, it provides a complete narrative of Frunzik’s journey from Gyumri, Armenia’s cultural capital, to the Indian cinema. The music of the living icon of Armenian music, the great composer Tigran Mansuryan will accompany the documentary. The documentary will also feature members of the actor’s family and friends.
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The audience got the chance to learn more about the legendary actor through the memories of the legendary Indian Actress and member of Indian Parliament Hema Malini, famous Indian Actor Dharmendra, renowned Georgian actor-director Vakhtang Kikabidze, Russian actor-film director Roland Bikov, among others. Armenian legendary composer Tigran Mansuryan, whose music has been used throughout the film, is also featured in the film.
The documentary is in Armenian and Russian languages, with English subtitles and has been produced by David Bejitashvili and Co-Produced by Rananjay Anand.
The event served as the curtain-raiser for the year-long 10th Anniversary Celebration of Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO (established in 2011) and was dedicated to the ongoing celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence.
