Film bodies, personalities condemn attack on Aashram 3 set

A day ago, Bajrang Dal activists ransacked the sets of Aashram 3, manhandled its crew members and threw ink on director-producer Prakash Jha.

The Producers Guild of India and other film personalities have condemned the attack on director Prakash Jha and his crew on the sets of Aashram 3. Bajrang Dal activists on Sunday ransacked the sets of Ashram 3, manhandled its crew members and threw ink on director-producer Prakash Jha. 

In a statement, the Guild condemned the act of violence and noted the 'alarming frequency' with which filmmakers, producers and exhibitors are harassed. 

"The Producers Guild of India strongly condemns the brazen acts of violence, harassment and vandalism faced by the crew involved in the production of the series Aashram in Bhopal. 

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident and the Guild is alarmed to note the frequency with which the production and exhibition sectors are severely and illegally disrupted by various elements with impunity." 

The Guild urged authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators. A similar statement was posted by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Actor Swara Bhasker, directors Sudhir Mishra, Sanjay Gupta and others also condemned the incident. 

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Monday that the state government will introduce changes in its policy giving permissions for film shoots in the state.

"New guidelines will be drafted regarding film shoots in Madhya Pradesh," the minister declared. "No one will be allowed to portray Hindu culture in a bad manner." He said under new guidelines, the director would have to submit the script to the government to ensure that the sentiments of the people are not hurt.

Mishra also objected to the title of the web series. "Why do they always portray Hinduism and Hindu gods in a wrongful manner. They don't have the courage to do the same with other religions," he said.

(with IANS inputs)