Rahul Bose wants to bridge socio-economic gaps

Bhopal, Dec 23 (UNI) Versatile actor and social activist Rahul Bose wants to ''choose the battles I will fight over the next three decades'' and try and bridge socio-economic gaps in India.

''The gaps that I would like to address are Hindu-Muslim, rich-poor, gay-straight etc,'' he told UNI yesterday at the Reliance Web World here via videoconferencing from Mumbai during the launch of 'Ctrl+Alt+Del', a 25-minute English film - in digital format - that is the first in the world to be launched on the mobile platform by Reliance Communications.

Pointing out that when a rich person breaks the law in India he is termed a criminal, Bose added that when a poor man does likewise he could end up being branded a terrorist.

Responding to a question on whether Bollywood could do much more in financially aiding victims of terrorism in India's commercial capital, he said, ''Philantrophy cannot be forced on anyone.'' Speaking about the movie, a solo and a love story set in the future that can be viewed by Reliance Mobile World customers on their cellphones, Bose said that he plays the role of Kabir who is in a room and decides to commit suicide right at the beginning of the film.

''The movie involves a period of just one night and covers Kabir's loneliness and the lack of love in his life. The stuff that I do isn't really mainstream. Such a medium is a chance for individuals to explore their creativity. I liked the script and it was a challenge for the artist in me,'' said Bose who is taking ''no financial input'' from the venture.

Phonetics Mobile Media Director Saurabh Gupta, who has also directed the movie, said that his company would create more such products over the next couple of years.

''I've earlier produced a film on violence against women,'' said Mr Gupta who started out as an advertiser.

Speaking on this movie's rather unique title, he said that it represents alternative voices finding a platform.

''The launch of Ctrl+Alt+Del on Reliance Mobile marks another milestone whereby the Indian film industry has recognised the power of the mobile medium,'' said Reliance Communications President (Applications and Solutions Group) Mahesh Prasad.

The movie has already won acclaim at various international fests such as the Atlanta International Festival and the Palm Beach International Festival.

The video-conferencing simultaneously involved Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Kolkata.

The film is accessible on Reliance Mobile World under the 'Movies N More' option and would be available at a charge of Rs 15 for a five-minute online streaming, Rs 10 for movie video clips while Rs 5 would be charged for downloading ringtones and wallpapers.

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