September 6, 2014
Press Release
The divisive
agenda of RSS is now Public - Hansal Mehta
06-09-2014,
Mumbai.
Film
Director Hansal Mehta in an interview has expressed serious concerns over
the overt activities and statements of the RSS and allied
organizations, after the recent central government's victory in the
general elections of 2014. He has stated that the "Communal and
divisive Agenda of the century old rightist organization RSS
is now open and public." This interview is the launching video of a series
of audio-visual interviews, available for viewing on the internet
on the joint You Tube video channel by Communalism Combat and
www.hillele.org.
Hansal Mehta, the director of films Dil pe Mat le Yaar (Story of migrants)
and Shahid (Minority Rights) was forthright in his
assessment of the present scenario while talking about the threat of
hate-driven divisive politics to journalist, educationist and
humanist, Teesta Setalvad, who conducted the first interview
of the series.
Mehta has
won the National Film Award for best director for Shahid (2014). A marked
shift in priorities of the government at the centre, was one reason
that Shahid was unceremoniously replaced from being the inaugural
film of the National Film Festival in May 2014, soon after election
results, due to the crucial issues it raises. A fear of challenging the
ideology of the ruling dispensation governs this mood of self-censorship,
according to Hansal Mehta while emphasizing that there have been such
threats before, even during moments of our own authoritarian past.
"Even
during and after emergency, it was impossible or difficult to make serious
and honest films over the period of emergency or about Indira Gandhi.
While it has been easier (to make critical films) in neighbouring
Pakistan." Talking about Hindi Cinema-Then and Now, Mehta
assessment of the 1950s and bollywood ran thus, “"Films in 50's were more
serious and sensitive towards society, raising several questions, tackling
even the gender question. “After the angry man of the 1970's it was
tokenism that replaced a more thematic understanding of issues."
He also
talked cheerfully about his hobby, specifically about his first venture
into television with a highly popular food show. A lover of good cuisine
and passionate about its creation, Hansal Mehta is today learning the
nuances of Awadhi Cuisine. It was Hansal, who produced the the famous
Sanjiv Kapur’s show 'Khana Khazana'. Dedicated to creating more
films like Shahid , that turn the mirror of society within, Mehta
spoke honestly about also creating a sex comedy with the same brutal
dedication.
This
interview of Hansal Mehta is the first of the series of Interviews by
Communalism Combat and
www.hillele.org. The Series will
further include interactions with various Actors, Film Makers, Artists,
Academics, Writers-Poets, Activists, Politicians and Musicians, which
would be launched on their You Tube Channel 'Hillele TV'(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3G7YYiSQ65t2AilCtw-anw).
To view the recent interaction with Hansal Mehta, you may go to http://youtu.be/1HKbUh-g5Gk
directly.
(Hillele
Bureau)
About the Initiative
Hillele presents Communalism
Combat's video series where Journalist, Social Activist and Humanist
Teesta Setalvad would be in conversation with the likes of Hansal Mehta,
P Sainath, Mahesh Bhatt, Justice Sawant, Brinda Karat and many more.
Hillele.org began as a small
blog. In a year's time we have tried bringing in opinions, videos,
music and short films that may not be accessible in the mainstream
media. We are grateful to Film Makers who shared their Documentaries,
Writers who wrote extensively and Musicians who shared their Music
Videos without charging us anything.
We are proud of Teesta
Setalvad's work in the area of legal activism, education and journalism.
We are delighted and honored that she has given us her consent in
launching Communalism Combat's interviews on Hillele from today! The
production has been possible because of friendly small contributions. If
you like what we are doing and want to contribute please let us know.
This mail is only being sent to friends and foes we closely know to
avoid any future issues regarding funds.
We also want to inform you
that Communalism Combat, a magzine of national and international
repute will be re-launching soon in a revived multi-media format. All
queries regarding contributions to this exciting re-launch may be sent to
[email protected]
and
[email protected]
More than anything else please
do give us your feedback on the interviews on Hillele.org