What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
BHOPAL: A day after Bajrang Dal activists vandalised the sets of the Aashram 3 web series in Bhopal, and smeared the face of Director Prakash Jha with ink, Madhya Pradesh’s home minister, Narottam Mishra, said the filmmakers must get their scripts screened by the administration before they proceed with the shoot. The government will also issue new guidelines for the filmmakers, he announced.
His remarks came a day after the activists of the Bajrang Dal went on rampage at the sets of Aashram 3 and damaged the windscreens of three buses and thrashed a crew member. The activists also smeared ink on the face of Prakash Jha, who is known for giving several Bollywood blockbusters like Apaharan, Gangajal and Rajneeti. The video of the incident went viral on social media.
Slamming the filmmakers for hurting the religious sentiments of the people, Mishra said, “Post the Aashram issue, we are going to bring in new guidelines. For instance, if a series has scenes that are likely to hurt the religious sentiments of the people then the film crew would be required to send that story to the administration for screening.”
He said that the filmmakers are most welcome to shoot in the state. “But if you think that the content is sensitive, then the script must be shared with the administration for approval,” he insisted.
He also objected to the name of the web series. “Why Aashram? Why not something from another religion?” he questioned. “Why is it that only Hindu religion is shown in controversial light and targeted? Today they show lesbians breaking Karwa Chauth fast. Tomorrow they will show the same girl marrying another boy. This is objectionable,” he said, referring to the Dabur advertisement to promote its product Fem. The ad showed an LGBT couple celebrating Karwa Chauth. Mishra said he has directed the DGP to probe the advertisement.
The Madhya Pradesh police had detained four people in connection with the Aashram incident. According to police officials, the filmmaker has not filed any complaint with the police.
