RAJ SYMPATHISES WITH BHANSALI

Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently appeared before a parliamentary standing committee to share his views on the controversy surrounding his film Padmavati. Helmed by Anurag Thakur, Raj Babbar is also a part of the panel.

The fact that Raj is an actor of immense stature helped him understand Sanjay’s predicament regarding Padmavati when the filmmaker spoke before the committee.

Raj, say sources, was “extremely empathetic and deeply concerned” when he was summoned to the parliamentary committee in Delhi. “I tried to understand what the problem regarding Padmavati is. I don’t know why this situation has escalated into a raging controversy. It should not have been allowed to. As part of the Parliamentary Committee and the only representative of the film fraternity who was present, I tried to make Bhansali comfortable and relaxed. I can’t tell you what we spoke because after that I may be summoned,” he laughs.

However, Raj did bring up his two major concerns. “As far as Padmavati is concerned, I am very worried on two counts. My first and predominant concern is the role of the Central Board Of Film Certification

( CBFC). They should not delay the certification of Padmavati any further. They must see the film the soonest. Because the nation’s and the film industry’s eyes are glued on the CBFC’s verdict on Padmavati. Why the delay? The CBFC must view the film immediately,” he asserts.

Raj’s other concern is about the safety of the Padmavati team. “It is the government’s duty to ensure that no harm is done to the Padmavati team. When the film is released, there should be adequate security at theatres to avoid untoward incidents. The film must release. The nation must be allowed to see the film before deciding if the content is offensive or not. If not, who will compensate the director and producers for the losses suffered?” Raj asks.