IMPPA President Abhay Sinha Calls For Wider And Affordable Access To Cinema At CII Big Picture Summit

The President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Mr. Abhay Sinha, emphasized the urgent need to expand affordable and accessible cinema infrastructure across India while speaking at the CII Big Picture Summit 2025.

Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the summit was held from December 1 to 2, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Juhu, Mumbai. The twelfth edition of the summit was themed “Connecting Creativity and Commerce in the AI Era” and brought together key leaders from government, media, technology and the entertainment industry.

IMPPA was represented at the summit by Senior Vice President Ms. Sushma Shiromani, Executive Committee Member and FMC General Secretary Mr. Nishant Ujjwal, along with Mr. Yusuf Sheikh and Mr. Manish Jain. The summit was chaired by Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

One of the key sessions focused on “Cinema Infrastructure: Building Screens and Modern Theatres for Equitable Entertainment in India.” Addressing the session, Mr. Abhay Sinha highlighted the challenges faced by the exhibition sector, noting that multiplex ticket prices—often ranging between ₹200 and ₹250—are beyond the reach of low- and middle-income audiences. This, he said, has a direct impact on theatre footfalls and the overall growth of the film industry.

Mr. Sinha urged the government to review taxes such as TDS and GST imposed on theatres in order to provide relief and support to the exhibition sector. He also proposed the development of 100-seat mini cinema halls at bus depots and railway stations to make movie viewing more accessible to the common public.

Additionally, Mr. Sinha suggested the introduction of mobile theatres mounted on trucks, each with a seating capacity of 100, which could travel to small towns and rural areas. According to him, such initiatives would open new avenues for entertainment and expand cinematic outreach across the country.

The summit witnessed several innovative ideas aimed at strengthening India’s screen infrastructure and reaffirmed the industry’s collective commitment to inclusive, technology-driven growth.

–Shashikant Singh (Journalist)

IMPPA President Abhay Sinha Calls For Wider And Affordable Access To Cinema At CII Big Picture Summit

A Remarkable Example Of Hindu–Muslim Unity: Dua Foundation Hosts Mass Wedding Ceremony For Hundreds In Bijnor

Najibabad, Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh): Celebrating its first anniversary, Dua Foundation organized a grand mass wedding ceremony in Najibabad, Bijnor, where hundreds of couples were married in a harmonious and inclusive event. The ceremony showcased an extraordinary example of Hindu–Muslim unity, with prominent dignitaries gracing the occasion.

The program, held at Agrawal Farm House, featured Nikah ceremonies for Muslim couples while Hindu couples took part in the Varmala rituals. Distinguished guests blessed the newlyweds and extended heartfelt wishes for their future.

Under the guidance of Abdullah Gulzar (President) and Shameem Ahmed (Vice President) of Dua Foundation, the event was designed to support economically weaker families, ensuring that financial challenges did not hinder their children’s marriage. Dua Foundation sponsored the entire wedding expenses and also hosted a community feast for all attendees.

The event received special support from several respected community members, including Haji Yusuf Qureshi, Haji Yunus Qureshi, Haji Shameem Qureshi, Abdullah Gulzar, Shameem Qureshi, Haji Naseem Ahmed, Mohd. Aslam, Irfan, Imran Ikram, and Abdul Sattar.

One of the most notable aspects of the ceremony was its inclusive nature, as people from different religions and communities benefited from the initiative. The event has been widely appreciated as an important step toward building a harmonious and compassionate society.

In just one year, Dua Foundation has made a distinguished mark through numerous welfare activities.

The NGO extends help to the poor, provides assistance to hospital patients, supports the education of underprivileged students, and arranges marriages for boys and girls from low-income families. By organizing mass weddings for hundreds, the Foundation has touched countless lives and earned heartfelt blessings from beneficiaries and their families.

Attendees praised the initiative, describing it as an exemplary act deserving of the highest appreciation. Congratulating the entire team of Dua Foundation, they emphasized that while wealth may be common, a big heart is rare—and the Foundation has proven its commitment to humanity through action.

In today’s era of rising expenses, many families fall into debt to conduct a wedding. Dua Foundation’s mass wedding initiative has brought joy and relief to numerous households.

Families of the brides, in particular, expressed immense gratitude for being able to see their children married with dignity and celebration.

The grand event marked not only a celebration of marriage but also a celebration of unity, generosity, and shared humanity—values that Dua Foundation continues to champion.

A Remarkable Example Of Hindu–Muslim Unity: Dua Foundation Hosts Mass Wedding Ceremony For Hundreds In Bijnor