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Madhur Bhandarkar's upcoming film Fashion has run into trouble. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has written to the Censor Board Chief Sharmila Tagore that they want to see the film before it hits the theatres on October 29 or else it should be banned with immediate effect.
Madhur Bhandarkar, co-producer of Fashion with UTV has received a copy of a letter signed by the DCW's Chairperson Barkha Singh. (Mumbai Mirror has a copy of the letter)
The letter says that the objection stems from the fact that Kangana Ranaut's character in Fashion is partially based on former supermodel Geetanjali Nagpal, who was found begging on the streets of Delhi and later taken under the wings by the DCW.
The letter said: "The DCW is concerned about anybody imitating Geetanjali's image or character to get monetary mileage out of her tragedy. Geetanjali has been cured by the immense efforts of the DCW and the DCW is highly apprehensive that the exhibition of Fashion may perhaps affect the present and future of Geetanjali's life.
'The DCW urges upon you (Sharmila Tagore) to show the film to the DCW chairperson (Barkha Singh) and also its members prior to its release. In case the producer/director do not agree to the request of DCW and Central Board of Film Certification, the film may be banned immediately,' says the letter.
We spoke to Barkha Singh who explained how she figured that Kangana's character is based on Geetanjali's life. "Somebody called to inform me about this.
I have learnt this from a lot of articles on the Internet too. You will find that Kangana herself has admitted that she is playing Geetanjali in Fashion," said Barkha to Mumbai Mirror.
In an interview to a website, Kangana had earlier said, "Yes, I'm playing Geetanjali Nagpal's role. It was my desire to work in Madhur Sir's film someday. When he narrated the role, I became very emotional and I connected with it instantly.
I know I will be able to live up to expectation. I have seen Geetanjali on television. It's a heart-wrenching story of a top model and her road to self destruction."
However, Madhur denied that Kangana plays Geetanjali in Fashion. He said, "I am shocked. It is preposterous for the DCW to think that Kangana is playing Geetanjali,"
I think the DCW is assuming much from a promo shoot where Kangana is sitting on the street in a pensive mood and puffing away. But I must say that they have got it all wrong."
So what is UTV and Bhandarkar Entertainment's next step? UTV's Ram Mirchandani (Associate Producer on Fashion) said, "So far, Sharmilaji hasn't spoken to us about this.
Actually, it's too early to take a call. The letter came in only on Tuesday. We respect women organisations.
There are only eight stories in this world. I might have some characteristics, which could be similar to yours.
But none of us is copying each other, right? So this is a baseless objection in all respects," added Mirchandani.
Barkha said, "The makers of Fashion have not yet replied to my letter. They should have replied by now. I have yet to decide on what to do next.
We played a big role in Geetanjali's rehabilitation, so we are justifiably concerned. Once we see the film, they can definitely go through if Kangana's character does not resemble Geetanjali's life.
Madhur Bhandarkar, co-producer of Fashion with UTV has received a copy of a letter signed by the DCW's Chairperson Barkha Singh. (Mumbai Mirror has a copy of the letter)
The letter says that the objection stems from the fact that Kangana Ranaut's character in Fashion is partially based on former supermodel Geetanjali Nagpal, who was found begging on the streets of Delhi and later taken under the wings by the DCW.
The letter said: "The DCW is concerned about anybody imitating Geetanjali's image or character to get monetary mileage out of her tragedy. Geetanjali has been cured by the immense efforts of the DCW and the DCW is highly apprehensive that the exhibition of Fashion may perhaps affect the present and future of Geetanjali's life.
'The DCW urges upon you (Sharmila Tagore) to show the film to the DCW chairperson (Barkha Singh) and also its members prior to its release. In case the producer/director do not agree to the request of DCW and Central Board of Film Certification, the film may be banned immediately,' says the letter.
We spoke to Barkha Singh who explained how she figured that Kangana's character is based on Geetanjali's life. "Somebody called to inform me about this.
I have learnt this from a lot of articles on the Internet too. You will find that Kangana herself has admitted that she is playing Geetanjali in Fashion," said Barkha to Mumbai Mirror.
| Geetanjali Nagpal |
I know I will be able to live up to expectation. I have seen Geetanjali on television. It's a heart-wrenching story of a top model and her road to self destruction."
However, Madhur denied that Kangana plays Geetanjali in Fashion. He said, "I am shocked. It is preposterous for the DCW to think that Kangana is playing Geetanjali,"
I think the DCW is assuming much from a promo shoot where Kangana is sitting on the street in a pensive mood and puffing away. But I must say that they have got it all wrong."
So what is UTV and Bhandarkar Entertainment's next step? UTV's Ram Mirchandani (Associate Producer on Fashion) said, "So far, Sharmilaji hasn't spoken to us about this.
Actually, it's too early to take a call. The letter came in only on Tuesday. We respect women organisations.
There are only eight stories in this world. I might have some characteristics, which could be similar to yours.
But none of us is copying each other, right? So this is a baseless objection in all respects," added Mirchandani.
Barkha said, "The makers of Fashion have not yet replied to my letter. They should have replied by now. I have yet to decide on what to do next.
| Copy of the letter sent by DCW to Madhur Bhandarkar |
We played a big role in Geetanjali's rehabilitation, so we are justifiably concerned. Once we see the film, they can definitely go through if Kangana's character does not resemble Geetanjali's life.
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