Film fraternity support, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati

Several associations of Bollywood industry, including Indian Film and Television Director’s Association, comes forward to support, Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati. Film fraternity questioned the government’s silence on threats by Rajput groups against the release of the film. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Padmavati has been in controversy after the director was slapped and the film’s set in Jaipur was vandalized by a few members of a Rajput group. Bollywood artistes like Sudhir Mishra, Vikram Gokhale, Ashoke Pandit, Sushant Singh and Kushan Nandy, appealed to the government to provide a safe environment for the freedom of expression. The film directors are now planning to write a letter to the Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for requesting to give freedom and confidence to the film industry to make films without any fear to the Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

All organizations stand to support Bhansali on Monday in the press conference including, Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA), Western India Cinematographers Association (WICA), Screenwriters Association (SWA), Association of Cine and Television Art Directors and Costume Designers (ACTADCD).

Sudhir Mishra, the director or Filmmaker said during the press conference that it is an assault on creative freedom as people attack Bhansali. “Attack on Bhansali is an attack on freedom. This is very stifling. When it comes to the interpretation of history, you can disagree with him, but at least allow the film to release. By asking for a ban, you are creating an atmosphere where nobody will attempt films on Indian history,” Mishra said in the press.

Vikram Gokhale, said,“I am against private censorship. I have worked with Bhansali, in “Hum Dil de chuke Sanam” and he is a responsible man, if he has made a mistake, people has to go at media platforms to express your opinion. But vandalizing sets, indulging in physical violence is extremely foolish.”