Tuesday, May 17 2005 09:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan yesterday (May 16, 2005) advocated enhanced collaboration between filmmakers of India and Pakistan to help foster better ties between the two countries.

Describing films as an excellent medium for enhancing peace and friendship between India and Pakistan, Bachchan said movies can help bring the two countries closer.

"Films can be an excellent medium for enhancing peace and friendship between India and Pakistan. After all, we are the same people, speak the same language, have the same culture," Bachchan told reporters in New Delhi.

"Our films are already being watched by people in Pakistan," he said.

The actor, who was in New Delhi to participate at the media briefing for IIFA Awards to be held in Amsterdam in June, also said Hindi films were now being watched and admired all over the world.

"Our films have made a mark all over the world. Around 3.8 billion people are now watching Indian films worldwide, which is more than the global audience for Hollywood films," Bachchan said.

Earlier, addressing the IIFA press conference, the megastar, who is brand ambassador for the awards, said with India's economy booming, its culture was getting noticed globally. "Indian cinema is not going there, it is already there," Bachchan said.