Patna: Bihar is seeking to redefine its cultural identity by expanding into filmmaking and theatre, Bollywood actor and Padma Shri awardee Manoj Bajpayee said during a visit to the Bihar Museum on Tuesday.
Speaking during an interaction at the museum, Bajpayee said the state no longer wanted to be confined to its legacy of literature and folk art, but was preparing to establish itself nationally in cinema and theatre. He discussed the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, saying he had been associated with it since its inception and viewed it as a significant step towards cultural and economic growth.
Since the policy’s implementation, filmmakers from across the country have begun looking to Bihar as a viable destination for shoots, he said, adding that this momentum was likely to accelerate film production in the years ahead. Bajpayee stressed that with the development of better shooting locations, technical resources and training institutes, local youth could find meaningful opportunities in acting and filmmaking.
He also pointed to Bihar’s rich social narratives and historical legacy as powerful cinematic material, capable of being presented on national and international platforms. “The stories of this land have depth and universality,” he said, suggesting they could resonate far beyond the state.
During his visit, Bajpayee was briefed by officials of the department of art and culture on the film promotion policy and the broader vision for Bihar’s creative industries. He said the state was building a new identity within the film world and expressed hope that actors and filmmakers would respond positively to the changing environment.
Bajpayee spent time exploring the museum’s galleries, which trace India’s civilisational journey from the Stone Age and Neolithic periods through the Mauryan, Magadha, Gupta and Mughal eras. He described the museum’s presentation of sculptures, tools, utensils and artefacts as a vivid portrayal of India’s cultural and historical evolution.
Praising the Bihar Museum for balancing tradition with modernity, Bajpayee said it was a source of pride not only for Bihar but for the country as a whole. He thanked the department of art and culture for its efforts to preserve and promote heritage, and urged the state government to organise special museum visits for children from remote areas so they could connect with the history and cultural legacy of their state.
Officials present at the event included Pranav Kumar, secretary of the department of art and culture, and Anjani Kumar Singh, director general of the Bihar Museum.
