On Wednesday, film bodies addressed with gratitude the comment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he cautioned BJP leaders to stop making unwanted comments on the film industry, and making stern remarks against films and the associated personalities to grab headlines. During an exclusive National Executive meeting in New Delhi, PM Modi had averred, “No one should make unnecessary comments that would overshadow the hard work we do.”
As per a BJP official who was a part of the meeting mentioned that the prime minister in his speech had “cautioned” people who are engaged in such discussions. “He told them that they should refrain from doing so,” the office bearer mentioned.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, president, Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), spoke to Indian Express and said that it is a “big boost of confidence” for the Hindi film industry.
“It is a great concern shown by the Prime Minister. If the PM snubs his own people and tells them to shut up and not talk nonsense against the film industry, which is not their area, for mere publicity, it is a big boost of confidence for the industry. That the PM of the country is with you. The signal goes to not only the politicians, but even people from the media, our own industry itself,” Pandit adds.
FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) President BN Tiwari avers that the PM’s comments is seemingly a “certificate” for the Hindi film industry, which have been receiving much hatred with the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trend.
“We thank PM Modi for his comment, because some people, for their two-minute of fame, were doing this. It made no sense. If members of the leading party saying something unnecessary about the industry, it makes a difference. The PM has always thought of the industry’s development, but some members of BJP and other right-wing parties had made comments against the industry, which had impacted the Hindi film industry. So, for the PM to say this is like a certificate for us. This will empower our workers, technicians and artistes,” Tiwari averred.
Ashoke Pandit claims that industry has been “the biggest soft target” because it is “the easiest way to come in the forefront”.
“There are people in our own industry who also abuse films, call it garbage, propaganda and talk nonsense. We also have to think. If we expect others to respect our industry, it is our duty also to respect our colleagues. This message is to them also, as it is for everyone. If we ask a politician to not say ‘Boycott Bollywood’, on which even the PM has reacted, then we also have to think amongst ourselves. The Prime Minister getting into it and taking cognisance of it and giving this message in his meeting is a very big sign,” the filmmaker added.
BN Tiwari took a dig in to Pandit’s sentiments and said that it is high time that the industry’s “social duty” is to make things that does not “offend” people. “It is our duty to avoid making comments about religion in films. It isn’t that just because the PM has spoken in our favour, we can now do anything. Let’s be mindful of what we show, be aware of our responsibilities and do our best work,” he added.
