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

Mahesh Bhatt, KJo 'excited' about Mohit Suri's TV debut

Mahesh Bhatt, KJo 'excited' about Mohit Suri's TV debut
Filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Karan Johar have praised director Mohit Suri and shared that they are excited about his debut on the small screen with the forthcoming TV show "Nach Baliye 8".

Mahesh Bhatt, KJo 'excited' about Mohit Suri's TV debut

Poetry Is My Statement To Life: Gulzar

Noted poet and Bollywood lyricist Gulzar says writing lyrics is his profession, but writing poetry is his statement to life.

Poetry Is My Statement To Life: Gulzar

Akshay Kumar's 'Workout' With Four Adorable Pugs Will Bring You Instant Joy

Akshay Kumar's 'Workout' With Four Adorable Pugs Will Bring You Instant Joy
Boxing with his pugs, Akshay Kumar is all smiles in the cuddly 28-second video.

Akshay Kumar's 'Workout' With Four Adorable Pugs Will Bring You Instant Joy

Be Summer Ready In Alia Bhatt Style

Be Summer Ready In Alia Bhatt  Style
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt says that one can enjoy the changing weather by planning a trip with your gang, keeping yourself hydrated and staying fit.

Be Summer Ready In Alia Bhatt Style

Navjot Singh Sidhu Should Stop Citing Me As Example: Kirron Kher

Navjot Singh Sidhu Should Stop Citing Me As Example: Kirron Kher
I stay in Chandigarh and travel to Mumbai for only Colors television show named India’s Got Talent. It is a three months show and I work for only 21 days for the show and it does not interrupt my duties as MP

Navjot Singh Sidhu Should Stop Citing Me As Example: Kirron Kher

Shah Rukh Khan Asks Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh To Keep Believing In The Impossible

Shah Rukh Khan Asks Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh To Keep Believing In The Impossible
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has praised the forthcoming film "Phillauri" and has asked actors Anushka Sharma and Diljit Dosanjh "to keep believing in the impossible".

Shah Rukh Khan Asks Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh To Keep Believing In The Impossible