‘Loveratri’ title changed to ‘Loveyatri’

Aayush Sharma says it was disheartening to have to change the title of his debut film from Loveratri to Loveyatri.

The right-wing organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was irked by the title Loveratri, which according to them distorted the meaning of the Hindu festival, Navratri. Later, a Bihar court ordered a complaint to be lodged against co-producer Salman Khan, saying the title hurts religious sentiments and promotes vulgarity.

“Our intention was very clear. We wanted a film that connects with most people. There was unnecessary conversation and objection happening over it,” Sharma said. “The film will not hurt anyone’s sentiments. There is not one double meaning dialogue in the film, it only talks about culture. Something or some elements had a problem. I don’t want to win the box office with a controversy.”

Sharma, 27, has been busy promoting the film in various cities and he says he is enjoying meeting new people and interacting with them.

“The kind of love we are getting I feel lucky as a debutante. When I used to go for promotions and I used to wonder do people even know who I am? Slowly it started as a lukewarm welcome to good to an amazing welcome,” he added.

In Loveyatri, Sharma plays the role of Sushrut, a dance teacher.

The film, which also marks debut of model Warina Hussain, is set to release on October 4 in the UAE.