Girish Kasaravalli criticises DFF over Dr Rajkumar's photo faux pas

Noted Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli today criticised the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) for using his photograph in place of Veteran Kannada superstar late Dr Rajkumar in the Homage section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) brochure.

In a statement emailed from Bangalore, Kasaravalli, who is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow for the screening of his film 'Nayineralu' ( In the Shadow of the Dog) on November 30 in the Indian Panorama section, said, ''It is a shame that an organisation like the DFF make such a faux pas. By not putting a proper photograph, the DFF has insulted Dr Rajkumar, a legend and a great actor by any standard's".

He said, "The editor has all the time and energy to memorise even a small actor from the Bollywood but not a legend from regional industry. This clearly shows that we are not wanted at IFFI. It is not for nothing that the people of Karnataka adored him' but Dr Rajkumar stood for Kannada identity and honour. The DFF should have taken proper care to suitably honour him. What they have done is not just an insult to Dr Rajkumar, but to every Kannadiga.'' The filmmaker said he was also told that the DFF has invited Mr Raghavendra Rajkumar, son of Dr Rajkumar and an actor and a producer in his own right. It was a shock to hear that the DFF did not even provide transport for him to go to the venue from the hotel to present his father's film.

''As if this is not enough the comperer, has referred to the producer and the director of the film Bangarada Manushya, which was screened as a tribute to Dr Rajkumar on November 25, as dead when they are still around and were attending the screening,'' he said.

Hitting out at the DFF, Kasaravalli said, ''The DFF has used my photograph in place of Dr Rajkumar and paid Homage. I would like to clarify that I am still alive and not dead." ''I have made ten films so far and contributed in my own way to the rich tradition of the Indian cinema. The President has awarded me nine times for my contribution to the Indian cinema. But it now appears that the DFF wants to see me dead for my services to the Indian cinema.'' The utter disregard to the South Indian cinema, which contributes more than half of the Indian cinema, was evident from the beginning of the festival at Goa. All South Indian film personalities are always treated like ''dirt'' by the organisers. This year was no different either. The very first day, there was some protest. Even on the day when the Goa government and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) held Joint press conference at Bangalore to launch their web site, the local press objected to the omission of the South Indian film personalities in general and Kannada film personalities in particular from their list of invitees.

''Incidentally, the DFF, the ESG and the Goa government invited me to launch their web site. The CEO of the ESG said it would be corrected before the festival opens. It never happened. This only proves that they have deliberately ignored and thereby insulted the South Indian Industry,'' he charged.

He said for the Goa government, IFFI is no longer a cultural event but only another 'Tamasha'. The festival at Goa should be henceforth called not IFFI but the Festival of Bollywood 'Tamasha'.

''I suggest that the South Indian Film Industry and the Kannada Industry in particular should register a strong protest against all these discrepancies," he said.

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