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

Iulia Vantur Has Bollywood Mainstream Voice, Says Himesh

Iulia Vantur Has Bollywood Mainstream Voice, Says Himesh
Singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya, who teamed up with Iulia Vantur for his latest album "Aap Se Mausiiquii", says she has a Bollywood mainstream voice.

Iulia Vantur Has Bollywood Mainstream Voice, Says Himesh

Anupam Kher To Connect With 'Lonely, Depressed' People

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has shared his e-mail address on social media as he wants to connect with "lonely or depressed" people. He feels that there is a need to listen to the young generation and not pass off their silence.

Anupam Kher To Connect With 'Lonely, Depressed' People

Big B Crosses 26 Million Mark On Twitter

Big B Crosses 26 Million Mark On Twitter
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has scored a fan following of 26 million on the micro-blogging platform Twitter.

Big B Crosses 26 Million Mark On Twitter

Meeting Big B is delightful experience: Anupam Kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher says meeting megastar Amitabh Bachchan is always a delightful for experience for him.

Meeting Big B is delightful experience: Anupam Kher

Sridevi Is A Miracle: Ram Gopal Varma

Sridevi Is A Miracle: Ram Gopal Varma
Maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma on Wednesday shared a childhood photo of Sridevi, whom he called a miracle. He wondered how the young girl has gone on to become a superstar in Indian cinema.

Sridevi Is A Miracle: Ram Gopal Varma

Hrithik Roshan Wants To Know Why This Actress Is 'Lying' About Being Her 'Friend And Mentor'

Hrithik Roshan Wants To Know Why This Actress Is 'Lying' About Being Her 'Friend And Mentor'
Polish model and actress Angela Krislinzki, who in a recent interview spoke about her close bonding with Hrithik Roshan, apologised to the 43-year-old actor on Twitter

Hrithik Roshan Wants To Know Why This Actress Is 'Lying' About Being Her 'Friend And Mentor'