Animal activists are harassing filmmakers: Karan Razdan

New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) Two forthcoming films by director Karan Razdan of "Girlfriend" fame are on hold as the Animal Welfare Board has objected to certain scenes in them.

The filmmaker is not amused.

"These animal rights activist have become a problem. (board member and MP) Maneka Gandhi and her team keep troubling the filmmakers for free publicity. Instead of harassing us they should go to villages and see how badly animals are treated there," Razdan told IANS on telephone from Mumbai.

Two of his films - "Souten - The Other Woman" and supernatural thriller "Eight Shani", which were to be released next week, are facing trouble from the board.

"They are objecting to a scene in 'Souten' where I have shown a peacock walking in the palace. They are asking why we have shown the peacock in the film. It is absurd.

"They are also holding the release of 'Eight Shani' for showing my hero riding a horse. The guy is not even riding it - he is just trotting. And it was shot abroad and it doesn't concern them.

"In fact, a Mumbai court has said it clearly that it doesn't come under their jurisdiction. Still they are obstructing the release."

The court had earlier ruled that India's Animal Welfare Board does not have jurisdiction over the scenes shot abroad.

"My films were certified by the censor board more than a month ago. I was told the Animal Welfare Board had a meeting on it Monday but they couldn't arrive at a decision and will meet again March 17. So my film is delayed for more than a week. I have to wait for the NOC (no objection certificate) from the board."

Razdan feels the film fraternity should join hands for a long-lasting solution to the problem.

"It's very sad nobody is doing anything. I think the film industry should come together to combat these problems."

However, Maneka Gandhi said: "I have never even heard about the names of these movies."

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's current blockbuster "Rang De Basanti" also faced similar problems. A scene showing Aamir Khan, who played the main lead, riding a horse had to be deleted after the board had objected to it.

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