Gadgil feels 'cheated' by makers of 'Rang De Basanti'

Mumbai, Nov 8 (UNI) Ms Kavita Gadgil, chairperson of the Abhijit Air Safety Foundation (AASF) today criticised filmmaker Rakeysh Mehra for seeking the endorsement of the three service chiefs in his documentary to promote his movie 'Rang De Basanti' which is representing India in the foreign film category at the Oscar awards.

Addressing a press conference here, Ms Gadgil who lost her son Flight Lieutenant Abhijit in a MIG plan crash said, ''Moviemakers hardly behave the way they speak. They do not want to contribute to a cause even if they say so. I see a lot of media reports that the movie has truly inspired many. Some have started fresh endeavours for the public cause. But sadly, I have not heard any reference from the movie makers as to how the crucial turning point in the story itself was inspired. The good work of art must acknowledge the source, particularly if it is commercially used,'' she asserted.

She said, she felt cheated by the makers of the movie. According to her, the makers of the film visited her residence in 2003 and discussed the making of a movie connected with the burning issue of fatal MIG 21 crashes, in of which her son lost his life. ''During our discussion, I showed him family photographs and shared copies of some important documents which I and my husband had taken up with the Air Force and the government regarding our son's case,'' she said.

Ms Gadgil said she was not opposing Mehra's request to service chiefs to endorse his movie in a documentary nor was she interested in extracting money from the filmmakers. ''I am not a nuisance maker,'' she said and lamented that her request of having charity shows of the film to raise funds for a National Memorial for pilots who have sacrificed their lives was not heeded to by the filmmakers.

Her Foundation was working on setting up of an Institute to train young people to fly and inspire them to join the armed forces. ''By just giving credit that the film is dedicated to pilots serves no purpose. We at the Foundation are doing something concrete for the soldier pilots,'' she added.

Ms Gadgil said she had written to Mehra after the film was chosen to represent India at the Oscars. ''But, he did not respond to my SMSs,'' she said.

The central theme of the movie had touched the hearts of millions, she said and added that if the filmmakers had contributed to the proposed Memorial, it would have proven that they care for the cause they profess and are willing to give back something to the society they profit from.

When contacted, UTV spokesperson said, ''Both Mr Mehra and UTV do not wish to give any reaction to Ms Gadgil's statement.'' UNI MR MJ LS KP1719