A 15-MINUTE BLACKOUT TO SUPPORT PADMAVATI

Amid the Padmavati row, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday that giving violent threats and announcing rewards for physical harm was not acceptable in a democracy.

Not directly referring to the controversy, but films and art in general, he warned against undermining the rule of law in the country.

Mr Naidu, at a literary festival here, said there is now a new problem over some films where people feel that they have hurt the sentiments of some religions or communities and that has led to protests.

“Whether these fellows have that much money or not, I doubt. Everyone is announcing Rs one crore reward. Is it so easy to have Rs one crore?” This is not acceptable in a democracy. You have the right to protest in a democratic manner, go to the appropriate authorities... you cannot physically obstruct and can’t give violent threats. Let us not undermine the rule of law,” he said.

Stressing that he was not talking about a particular film but in general, Mr Naidu read out names of previously banned films like Garam Hawa, Kissa Kursi Ka and Aandhi.

His remarks, however, assume significance as they come amid protests by many groups against Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Padmavati, alleging that it distorts history. Association, along with 19 other bodies of the film and television industry from across the country will stop shooting for 15 minutes to protect the right to freedom of expression of those in the creative field.

Over 700 people from the entire film industry will participate in the protest called “Main Azaad Hoon?” (Am I free?) at Film City here.