Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

Priyadarshan's View On Homosexuality 'Rankles'

IANS, 08 Apr, 2017 01:16 PM
  • Priyadarshan's View On Homosexuality 'Rankles'
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta says he may be disappointed, but respects the decision that "Aligarh" was not considered worthy of a National Award. However, he has hit out at Priyadarshan -- jury chairperson of the 64th National Film Awards -- for his views on homosexuality not figuring as a 'fantastic' social issue.
 
"Aligarh" is a widely acclaimed film about the real life story of a professor who was suspended for being a homosexual. The movie gave a fillip to the discussion of LGBTQ rights in the country.
 
On Friday, after the 64th National Film Awards were announced, Mehta had expressed disappointment but hoped the larger purpose of the movie -- to spark a debate around LGBTQ rights -- is not ignored.
 
A day later, he tweeted: "When I expressed disappointment about the National Awards, it was personal and not directed at anybody. I would like to believe that the jury has done its best within their understanding and framework. 
 
 
"'Aligarh' was not considered worthy in that framework by the appointed juries just like 'The Lunchbox' was ignored in the year that 'Shahid' won two National Awards. I did not complain then and I'm not complaining now either.
 
"I've got to respect the decision and move on. What hurts is that in some statement, the chairperson who I respect and whose films I've often enjoyed, says that 'While watching films, we realised that a lot of Bollywood movies were themed around homosexuality. The movies are not highlighting social problems. Whereas regional cinema are themed around fantastic social issues'."
 
Mehta found the statement "disturbing and insensitive".
 
 
"It makes you wonder and worry about LGBTQ rights and their absence in the current mindset as 'social problems'. Priyadarshan sir, 'Aligarh' did not meet the standards set by you and your jury - I accept that. But your views on homosexuality not figuring as a 'fantastic' social issue rankles," Mehta added.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Farhan Akhtar Hopes To Make Don 3' Soon

Farhan Akhtar Hopes To Make Don 3' Soon
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar hopes to soon bring the much-awaited "Don 3" to the big screen.

Farhan Akhtar Hopes To Make Don 3' Soon

Punjab Police Team Leaves For Mumbai To Arrest Rakhi Sawant

Punjab Police Team Leaves For Mumbai To Arrest Rakhi Sawant
A Punjab Police team has left here for Mumbai to execute an arrest warrant issued by a local court against controversial TV and Bollywood actresss Rakhi Sawant,

Punjab Police Team Leaves For Mumbai To Arrest Rakhi Sawant

Happy Birthday Ajay Devgn: Parineeti, Bipasha Lead Bollywood's Twitter Celebration

Happy Birthday Ajay Devgn: Parineeti, Bipasha Lead Bollywood's Twitter Celebration
Bollywood celebrities including Parineeti Chopra, Riteish Deshmukh and Bipasha Basu on Sunday wished a happy birthday to actor Ajay Devgn, who has been tagged as a prankster.

Happy Birthday Ajay Devgn: Parineeti, Bipasha Lead Bollywood's Twitter Celebration

Will Be Full Of Gratitude For 'Saaransh': Anupam To Mahesh Bhatt

Anupam Kher has expressed his gratitude to Mahesh Bhatt, the director of his debut film "Saaransh". The veteran actor says it was wonderful for him to be a part of the celebration of the anniversary of filmmaker's banner.

Will Be Full Of Gratitude For 'Saaransh': Anupam To Mahesh Bhatt

India Open 2017: Big B, Shah Rukh Thank PV Sindhu For Making India Proud

India Open 2017: Big B, Shah Rukh Thank PV Sindhu For Making India Proud
  Big B on Sunday night tweeted: "P.V. Sindhu wins India SS title. Huge congratulations! Sweet revenge, after the Olympic loss but this one more convincing!"

India Open 2017: Big B, Shah Rukh Thank PV Sindhu For Making India Proud

'Baahubali' Fame Singer L.V. Revanth Wins 'Indian Idol 9'

'Baahubali' Fame Singer L.V. Revanth Wins 'Indian Idol 9'
  Revanth, who has lent his voice for around 200 songs in southern films including "Baahubali: The Beginning", became known for his soulful voice right from the start when he auditioned for the show.

'Baahubali' Fame Singer L.V. Revanth Wins 'Indian Idol 9'