Bhojpuri film industry divided over leaving Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 5 (UNI) The Rs 200-crore Bhojpuri film industry is divided over leaving Mumbai and moving to Uttar Pradesh or Bihar in the wake of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's anti-north Indian campaign.

Bhojpuri super star Manoj Tiwari has suggested that the industry could move to Lucknow or Patna because it was becoming difficult to work, in Mumbai in the shadow of fear.

Another super star Ravi Kishen echoed similar views and said if the situation in the city did not improve, it would be wise to move out of the Metropolis and the state.

However, actor singer and producer Dineshlal Yadav Nirahua has opposed the idea. In a statement here, Nirahua said they should not leave Mumbai out of fear. According to Nirahua he was not opposed to set up the industry in UP or Bihar as it would faciliate jobs for the people there but it was meaningless to leave Mumbai fearing somebody.

''There was no law, which stops anybody to go anywhere in the country and earn his/her bread and butter,'' he said.

Appealing to north-indians to remain calm, he criticised politicians who have failed to protect their people here.

There are at least 50 production houses in tinsel town, who churn out 75 odd Bhojpuri films a year.

Bhojpuri industry bounced back five years ago, after advent of multiplexes, as on one hand ticket rates went up and became out of reach of lower class audience and on the other hand, single screen theatres could not get enough Hindi films for their patrons. Low budget Bhojpuri films met this demand and became instant hit with Bhojpuri audience in UP and Bihar as well as other places, where people from these states have migrated to.

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