Not mocking Aishwarya Rai in 'Lamhaa': filmmakers

New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) A dialogue mentioning Aishwarya Rai in the promos of upcoming film "Lamhaa" has caught the attention of many. But producer Bunty Walia and director Rahul Dholakia clarify that it does not mock her.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who plays a Kashmiri separatist leader in the film, says in one scene: "When Aishwarya Rai is unable to see the moon, it makes news. But why don't the media report the plight of those thousands of Kashmiri wives who haven't seen their husbands for years?"

This dialogue has raised eyebrows. But Dholakia says: "The dialogue in the film by the separatist leaders uses Mrs. Rai Bachchan as a metaphor to the Bollywood centric media who prefer covering the personal lives of icons and intrude into their private lives, making breaking news, instead of covering the real life poignant stories of Kashmiri half-widows. The comment is not a slur or an attack on the actress in anyway," Dholakia said.

"The purpose of the scene was never intended to mock Aishwarya Rai. We would never do anything to hurt anyone's sentiments," said Bunty Walia.

Produced by GS Entertainment and distributed by PVR Pictures, "Lamhaa" is set in Kashmir and stars Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Kunal Kapoor and Anupam Kher. The movie, releasing Friday, deals with the life of Kashmiris in the valley. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Lamhaa