In a heartfelt selfie video, Hindi film legend Amitabh Bachchan expressed his warm wishes for the relaunch of SCREEN magazine, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the publication.
“When I entered the film industry in the late ’60s, SCREEN stood out as a significant presence,” he recalled. He noted the magazine’s distinctive size, which set it apart from its competitors and highlighted the powerful and captivating advertisements that directors published for their upcoming films. Bachchan praised SCREEN for maintaining a standard of maturity, emphasising its focus on insightful writing about the film industry rather than indulging in sensationalism or gossip.
At the launch event, Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group and Head of New Media, spoke about the essence of quality film journalism. He asserted that “good film journalism is respectful, not servile,” emphasising the need to recognise the importance of privacy while celebrating public interest. Goenka explained that such journalism critiques with an open mind, challenges the status quo, and acknowledges the journey to success.
He further elaborated on the principles that the renewed SCREEN aims to embody: transparency about mistakes, a commitment to exploring the creative processes of stars, directors, producers and technicians and an unwavering focus on integrity in serving the public.
With these values at its core, the relaunch of SCREEN promises to be a refreshing addition to the landscape of film journalism, honouring the legacy of insightful reporting that Amitabh Bachchan fondly remembers.