Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ American actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, accompanied by their son Dylan, recently embarked on a journey to India. Following Michael Douglas receiving the esteemed Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa, the family headed to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, presents a multitude of captivating opportunities that await inquisitive visitors.
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Mr. Douglas, 79, offered glimpses of their visit to the ancient Thanjavur Bhrihadeeswara Temple on his Instagram account. Captioning the post with “Sightseeing with the best,” he shared a photo from inside the magnificient temple, capturing the family after their prayers, adorned with floral garlands. The Brihadeeswara Temple, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies architectural excellence through its elaborate sculptures and enchanting spiritual ambiance that enthralls visitors. An excursion to the Thanjavur Palace, an imposing fortress embellished with historical artifacts and regal allure, transports guests to an earlier epoch.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi took notice of Mr. Douglas’ post and expressed his admiration, stating, “Thanjavur is beautiful indeed! And, there is a lot more to see in India which will leave tourists from across the world spellbound.” Accordingly, PM Modi’s post about the ancient Thanjavur Bhrihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, garnered a huge welcome. By air, rail, and road, Thanjavur is conveniently connected to these points of interest. From the main cities, the city is reachable via road, and the Thanjavur Junction railway station provides connections to different regions of the country. Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located at a distance of around 60 kilometers, functions as an entry point for both local and international visitors desiring to fully engage in the captivating allure of Thanjavur.
At the film festival, Michael Douglas commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contributions to the film industry and finance. Reflecting on the festival’s significance and PM Modi’s leadership, he remarked, “I also think this is more and more the sort of spirit, and the beauty of this festival are you had 78 foreign countries represented, and it’s only a reflection of the strength of your Indian filming, which is renowned and known around the world. I think you are in very good hands. I think it’s beginning to.” He also lauded the efforts of Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
Highlighting the unifying power of movies, Douglas emphasized their ability to transcend barriers of race, religion, and gender. He underscored the universal language of films, bringing audiences together regardless of the diverse languages spoken worldwide. In his view, movies play a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding and connection among people from different backgrounds.
