Mehta fears release of Water script

MUMBAI/BHOPAL, FEBRUARY 13: Internationally-acclaimed film-maker Deepa Mehta, whose latest movie Water is in the eye of a storm, on Saturd...

MUMBAI/BHOPAL, FEBRUARY 13: Internationally-acclaimed film-maker Deepa Mehta, whose latest movie Water is in the eye of a storm, on Saturday expressed apprehension that some organisations were planning to publish and release the script of the film.

8220;I fear that certain vested interests will misuse the access to unauthorized release of the script by sensationalising the issue and publishing selective excerpts out of context, with the intention to jeopardise the filming and creating social disharmony,8221; Deepa said.

8220;I reserve my right to take legal action against any unauthorized release or publication of the whole or part of the script,8221; she added.

Deepa, director of the movie, whose unit had to move out of Varanasi following protest demonstrations by some Sangh Parivar outfits, said she did not, in any manner, wish to be party to the possible stage-managed discontent.

She said, 8220;I hold the intellectual property rights for the script and no such release has either my approval or authority or that of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Any such release should have the prior lawful approval of the ministry, which has a copy of the authenticated version of the script, approved by it on January 6.8221;

Deepa reiterated that the film was neither derogatory about the Indian culture or traditions, nor was it in any manner offensive to Hinduism or Indian womanhood.

Meanwhile, the Khasjee Trust on Saturday said it would take a decision on whether or not to allow Deepa Mehta to shoot the film at a ghat constructed by the Trust on the banks of Narmada river at Maheshwar in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, if she requested.

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The decision would be taken 8220;only after she applies to it for permission to do so8221;, Trust officials said. 8220;As of now, Mehta has not sought permission to shoot at Maheshwar or anywhere else in the state,8221; they said.

Mehta had met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh here on Thursday to explore the possibilities of shooting the film in the state. She had said that she would take a decision on shooting the film only after consultations with the Trust.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Governor Bhai Mahavir has advised the state government to reconsider its decision to allow Deepa Mehta to shoot her film in the State.

The Governor8217;s advice came during a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, according to Raj Bhawan sources on Saturday. The sources quoted the Governor, who questioned the need to create further 8220;tensions8221; in the State.

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The sources said the Governor had also conveyed to Singh the stance of some delegations who had met the former to seek his intervention against the shooting of the film in the state.

However, Singh is reported to have defended his decision, saying he was duty-bound to protect the Constitution, which provided the right to freedom of expression. He also pointed out that the script had been cleared by the Centre.

The Governor retorted that the Centre had also endorsed the Gujarat Government8217;s decision to permit its employees to take part in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activities, while he Singh had spoken against it. Mahavir felt that the film8217;s theme was 8220;very sensitive8221; and should be handled with utmost care, with the attempt being to eradicate social evils rather than merely project Indian culture in poor form.