Gujarat Congress to take up 'Parzania' issue with I

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) Miffed over the decision of cinema hall owners in Gujarat not to screen 'Parzania', a film on the travails of a Parsi family which lost its only son in the communal riots in the state, the Gujarat Congress has sought the mediation of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to resolve the standoff.

Mr Arjun Modhwadia, Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, told reporters here today that he had sought an appointment from Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi in this connection.

''Though there is no official ban on the film in the state but the BJP government has created an atmosphere of fear and backlash, which is forcing theatre owners not to screen the film,'' Mr Modhwadia said, addressing his maiden press conference in the national capital after becoming the leader of the opposition.

He said Aamir Khan's "Fanaa" also could not be shown because of Khan's support for an agitation in favour of those displaced by the Narmada dam.

''Parzania'', a film on the Gujarat riots of 2002, is based on the real life story of a Parsi boy Azhar, who has been missing since 2002. The film features Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika in the lead roles.

Although the government has offered promises of protection to the multiplexes and other cinema owners if they showed the film, they have so far remained stuck to the decision not to do so.

''I have sought an appointment with the I&B minister, and if it materialises, I will apprise him of the ground realities,'' Mr.

Modhwadia said.

UNI