Indian movies have shed the stereotype: Chinese filmmaker Zhag Yimou

Renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, who is behind internationally acclaimed films like Red Sorghu, Ju Dou and House of Flying Daggers, feels Indian cinema has broken the stereotype of dancing and singing by venturing into other genres as well.

"There have been lot of changes in the Indian movie industry. Lot of movies have broken the stereotype of dancing and singing and ventured into other genres. I would love to get to know more about the films here," Zhang told PTI.

"For India it is singing and dancing in movies while for China it is martial arts and kung fu. Both Asian countries have a lot of things in common. We see lot of potential for collaboration," he said.

Zhang, who was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the 14th Mumbai Film Festival, said he was surprised to get selected for the award because he does not know whether he is popular in India.

"I was surprised to get this award from India (Indian film festival) because I feel there is not much information about my movies, my work over here. I don't know how popular I am in this country. I am thankful to have received this award," Zhang, 60, said.

"People usually think the lifetime achievement award is the finishing time. But I see it as a starting point to learn, constantly keep improving myself and making better movies," he added. Though Zhang does not follow Indian movies regularly, he watched Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots. "I recently saw 3 Idiots. There have been changes in Bollywood industry and a lot of rapid developments. "In China a lot of young people watch Bollywood films. Indian market is also very attractive for our movies. Indian movies sometimes also have a Chinese element in them," he said.

Zhang, who is famous for his lavish use of colour, feels movie-lovers like to watch all kind of films, be it in any language.

"Films are a bridge of communication...that is the beauty of movies. I think China and India are similar as both have a long history, are very popular countries and have great movie market. Directors from both countries are trying to break the stereotype," he said.

Zhang's other noteworthy films are --Raise the Red Lantern, The Story of Qiu Ju, To Live, Shanghai Triad and Curse of the Golden Flower.

"I am grateful to all the fans. I don't know how many fans I have here in India. but I am thankful for the support and encouragement and that is the motive to make more good movies and make all my fans happy," he said.