Date:27/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/27/stories/2006052703291300.htm

National

Medha condemns `violent nature' of Gujarat politics

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar on Friday condemned the `violent nature of Gujarat politics' resulting in the blocking of the Aamir Khan film, Fanaa in the state.

Talking to reporters at Azad Maidan, Ms. Patkar said that Gujarat politicians had earlier ostracised danseuse Mallika Sarabhai for her stand against communal violence.

Most of the exhibitors in Gujarat have decided not to screen the film, fearing violence in the wake of Mr. Khan's support to Ms. Patkar and his criticism of the recent communal riots in Vadodara.

Fanaa and the English film, The Da Vinci Code, were released in theatres in Mumbai and other distribution territories under police protection. The English film is being opposed by several Catholic organisations for it shows Jesus Christ as a married man. The film is banned in Goa, Nagaland and Punjab.

Film industry sources said that though Fanaa is being screened in Mumbai, two multiplex chains are not showing it.