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Hyderabad , Nov. 15

THE Chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) and Hindi film actress, Ms Raveena Tandon, has said that the country had not taken the film industry seriously despite the fact that it was quite big.

"We make nearly 800 films every year. But people generally rate the industry very low and discourage children in learning the art of film making, saying it is something vulgar and nothing great to learn about," she said, addressing a press conference here.

Stating that the society is working on several plans to rev up the activity, Ms Raveena said the priority on her agenda was to take films meant for children to their doorsteps.

"There are a good number of films made for children. But they are hardly shown. We will take measures to screen them across the country," the recently appointed CFSI chairperson said.

She felt that CFSI budgets were low, while the cost of film making was increasing drastically. "One can make a children's film with the money they (the commercial film producers) spend on just one song," she said.

The global scene, however, is different. "Children films like Harry Potter and Spider Man have become the biggest grosser in the West. Why not we produce such films here in India," she wondered. Dismissing the criticism that bad films spoiled children, she said, "You can watch MTV with your kids, yet tell them what's good for them and what's not."

"It's Catch 22 situation. If you put some bar, you will be criticised. And how many people you can really satisfy."

Asked about whether she was cutting down on the number of films, Ms Raveena said she was selective of late. "I should play the roles that suit my age."

"Moreover, I acted in over 100 films. There's a point in life where you have to do things you always wanted do," she pointed out.

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