Filmworld
Ban on 'Aligarh' doesn't seem official: Hansal Mehta
New Delhi, Feb 28
Amidst reports that the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer "Aligarh" will not be screened in the city of Aligarh, the film's director Hansal Mehta has said that it doesn't seem like an official ban yet.
"Aligarh" is based on the real life incident of Srinivas Ramchandra Siras, an academician at the Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation.
According to reports, a fringe group called the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC) has pressurised exhibitors in the city not to screen the film.
Aligarh Mayor Shakuntala Bharti also reportedly supported the group's call for a ban on the film.
"It doesn't seem like an official ban. The mayor has joined the issue with a fringe group (MBMC). Our stand is the city of Aligarh has, once again, killed professor Siras," Mehta told IANS.
Mehta said he is discussing the issue with his legal team, but he cannot do "anything that will create a law and order situation".
The fringe group also reportedly wrote a letter to the information and broadcasting ministry.
Calling the group "homophobic", Mehta said it is "just seeking attention".
"They are homophobic. Their worry is that Aligarh, which is famous for knowledge and its locks, will be linked only to homosexuality with this film. There can't be any more homophobic statement than this," Mehta asserted.
"Aligarh" also stars Rajkummar Rao. The film released on February 26.
"Aligarh" is based on the real life incident of Srinivas Ramchandra Siras, an academician at the Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation.
According to reports, a fringe group called the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC) has pressurised exhibitors in the city not to screen the film.
Aligarh Mayor Shakuntala Bharti also reportedly supported the group's call for a ban on the film.
"It doesn't seem like an official ban. The mayor has joined the issue with a fringe group (MBMC). Our stand is the city of Aligarh has, once again, killed professor Siras," Mehta told IANS.
Mehta said he is discussing the issue with his legal team, but he cannot do "anything that will create a law and order situation".
The fringe group also reportedly wrote a letter to the information and broadcasting ministry.
Calling the group "homophobic", Mehta said it is "just seeking attention".
"They are homophobic. Their worry is that Aligarh, which is famous for knowledge and its locks, will be linked only to homosexuality with this film. There can't be any more homophobic statement than this," Mehta asserted.
"Aligarh" also stars Rajkummar Rao. The film released on February 26.

28 minutes ago
U.S. H-1B visa policy raises concerns; China introduces ‘K Visa’ to attract young professionals

1 hour ago
‘Shield Seniors’ app against online fraud; Indian student wins TIME magazine award

2 hours ago
Khalistani extremist and close aide of terrorist Pannun arrested in Canada

2 hours ago
Piyush Goyal in Washington for India-US trade talks

3 hours ago
Armed robbers loot over Rs 1 crore from HDFC Bank in Jharkhand’s Madhupur

3 hours ago
No relief by SC for Jacqueline Fernandez in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case

3 hours ago
SC to examine PIL for enhanced transparency in Air India crash probe

4 hours ago
Hindus seek “Hindu Mandir” at JFK Airport

4 hours ago
‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ trailer blends cinema and culture setting the stage for thrilling prelude

4 hours ago
Madhoo walks 110 kms while on a spiritual journey in Spain with childhood friends

4 hours ago
Sonakshi Sinha calls hubby Zaheer Iqbal ‘weird’ after catching him reading her horoscope

4 hours ago
On eve of Dadasaheb Phalke honour, Mohanlal kickstarts ‘Drishyam 3’

4 hours ago
Rani Mukerji-starrer ‘Mardaani 3’ poster unveiled on first day of Navratri