Bollywood wants Gujarat ban on 'Fanaa' lifted

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Article Updated 30 May, 2006 08:27:07 PM IST

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Bollywood wants Gujarat ban on 'Fanaa' lifted

Lift ban on Fanaa

Presenting a united face, the Bollywood backed actor Aamir Khan, whose comments on Narmada dam oustees rehabilitation issue angered ruling BJP in Gujarat, and demanded the release of 'Fanaa', starring him, in the state.

Heavyweights of the film industry, including producer Yash Chopra, actors Anil Kapoor and Anupam Kher, director-producers Subhash Ghai, Palhaj Nihlani and Ashutosh Gowariker along with the Film and Television Producers Guild of India president Amit Khanna were present at a press conference to express solidarity with Aamir.

They maintained that the remarks by the actor were not against Gujarat or its people and he said what the Supreme Court had already discussed about the rehabilitation issue.

"I am facing a loss of Rs 1 crore everyday because 'Fanaa' has not been released in Gujarat. The issue is not that of money but of principles. I met Chief Minister Narendra Modi and tried to convince him that it was a question of Aamir's personal views and had nothing to do with my film," producer Yash Chopra told reporters.

"Aamir has a right to express his views on any issue in a democratic set-up," Ghai said adding, "It is a small issue which is being exaggerated. 95 per cent of Gujaratis want to see 'Fanaa'. Just because he is a celebrity, the issue is being highlighted."

All the speakers said that since the film had received a censor certificate no political party or any organization had a right to demand its ban.

Meanwhile, in a statement in Chennai, Film Federation of India president Boney Kapoor said, "a request has already been sent to the Gujarat Government to intervene and see to it that the film is released there. Telegrams have also been sent to the Gujarat chief minister, apart from the chief and home secretaries. It is very unfortunate that the exhibitors in Gujarat are refusing to screen the film even though the film does not have anything objectionable or controversial. It has been cleared by the censor. The entire film industry of India is concerned that a particular film is not being screened in a particular area of India for no valid reason," he said.