I'd like to connect with Bollywood, Tollywood: Italian Ambassador

The Ambassador of Italy Lorenzo Angeloni was present in Kolkata to attend the 'Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2019'. He spoke to Millennium Post on a wide spectrum of topics, from the subject of his books to the dynamics of Indo-Italian ties. Excerpts:

How do you want to take the relationship between India and Italy to the next level?

Relationships are very good. There are a number of sectors where it can be raised to the level of strategic partnership. For instance, an important delegation is expected to come in Kolkata for BGBS shortly. The President of Regione Lombardia will sign an MoU in some very promising manufacturing sector. I see a lot of opportunities we are trying to improve.

What are the major priority areas in India?

Areas like infrastructure have good prospect. Food processing is another area, whose chain of transformation offer interesting perspective. I' d like to connect Bollywood and Tollywood with our Film Commissions in Italy, a Country where many Indian directors have already shot important films.

Tell us the areas of your interest and anything being planned with Bengal?

Napoli is an Italian city which is twinned with Kolkata. I' d like the idea to extend twinnings to Unesco sites (Italy and India have a huge number of heritage sites), and boost tourism between the two countries.

What is your perspective in the Global Bengal Meet 2019 in February?

I was here for the previous three editions and I' ve seen Kolkata changing for the better every year .

We expect to be part of this flow of development, attracting a growing number of Italian companies

What gave you the inspiration to do a romantic book?

You can read this book as a love story(behind my scenes is the title) but the message of the book is about heartbreak. at the dead-end of a love story, the book shows a possible way out from heartbreak.

You wrote two more books…?

I wrote some essays and reportage before converting into a novelist and yes, I previously published three novels.

Have you tried Kolkata's cuisine?

Yes, I love the cuisine here, especially the 'fish curry'.

Is Kolkata going to be a city that you would return to?

Kolkata is giving me a lot of love….it is the only Indian city which I have visited more than twice.