Aamir Khan & Chinese Filmmakers Unite At WAVES 2025 To Discuss Indo-Chinese Cinema
At the prestigious WAVES 2025 event, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan shared the stage with acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Peter Ho-Sun Chan, renowned action director Stanley Tong, and Indian producer Prasad Shetty for a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Indian Cinema: The Oriental Look.” The panel explored the evolving relationship between Indian and Chinese cinema, the scope for collaboration, and the global potential of their storytelling traditions.
Aamir Khan reflects on China’s love for Indian Cinema
Aamir Khan, who has been a leading voice in Indian cinema's global reach, shared insights from his numerous visits to China. He emphasised the deep emotional connection Chinese audiences have with Indian films. “I saw the same emotional response to Dangal in China as I did back home in India,” Khan said. he said that he was delighted to see similar reactions and that's where he saw potential for great stories. His remarks highlighted the shared cultural values and emotional depth that resonate across borders, making Indian cinema relatable to Chinese audiences.
Peter Ho-Sun Chan applauds Indian filmmakers
Chinese filmmaker Peter Ho-Sun Chan spoke warmly of his interactions with Indian creators like Kabir Khan, Raju Hirani, and Aamir Khan himself. “Indian cinema has evolved tremendously,” he said. “It’s bold, imaginative, and tells powerful stories. The time is right for India and China to collaborate and bring great cinema to the world.” Chan emphasised the potential of cross-cultural partnerships to elevate storytelling and reach wider audiences.
A call for organic creativity
Khan agreed wholeheartedly, expressing a strong desire for authentic collaborations between Indian and Chinese creators. “Organic stories and scripts are what attract me,” he said. “I’ve had a very creative relationship with China in recent years, and I truly believe India and China can make outstanding films together, for the world. But the process has to be natural, rooted in mutual creativity.”
He praised the quality of Chinese cinema and highlighted how such cross-border synergy could lead to artistic breakthroughs.
A festival of Indo-Chinese cinema?
In a fitting conclusion to the session, the panel hinted at a potential Indo-Chinese film festival-possibly hosted at WAVES next year. The idea was met with enthusiastic nods from the audience and panelists alike, signaling a new chapter in Asian cinematic collaboration.
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