DCW, UTV summoned by Delhi Commission for Women on Oct 27

New Delhi, Oct 25 (UNI) The Delhi Commission for Women has summoned Madhur Bhandarakar, the director of the forthcoming film 'Fashion', and the film's producers UTV Software Communications to appear before it on October 27.

The Commission's order to summon Bhandarkar and UTV, issued last night, came after they failed to respond to the October 21 letter by the DCW president expressing concern over the film's reported depiction of the life of former model Geetanjali Nagpal and demanding that the filmmaker screen the film for the members of the DCW before its release on October 29.

In a letter written to Censor Board Chairperson Sharmila Tagore on October 21, the DCW president had expressed serious reservations over the film's reported depiction of the life of former ramp model Geetanjali Nagpal who was, earlier this year, found roaming in the streets of Delhi in a state of penury and mentally sick condition before the efforts by the DCW to rehabilitate and helped her to recover.

''We have come to know through reliable or authoritative sources that Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Fashion', slated for release on October 29, is based partially on the life of Geetanjali Nagpal. The Commission has strong objections and reservations on the release of the film as the director and producer have not sought its prior permission nor brought it into confidence prior to making this movie.

The Commission is also seriously concerned about anybody imitating Geetanjali's character or image for taking monetary mileage out of her tragedy without seeking her permission or due consent,'' the Commission said in a letter addressed to Censor Board chairperson Sharmila Tagore.

Expressing apprehension that the exhibition or viewing of the said film may affect adversely the present and future life of Geetanjali and also the present comfortable stay in society of the former model, who had been cured after immense serious efforts of the DCW during the long span of an year or so, the Commission urged the Censor Board chairperson to issue urgent instructions to the producer and director of 'Fashion' to show the print of the film to the DCW chairperson and its members prior to its release ''so that the correctness of the script, scenes and story could be judged impartially and judiciously and simultaneously approved for final public viewing without any apprehension whatsoever''.

At the same time, the Commission demanded that in case the producer and director did not agree to its request, the film be banned immediately.

The film was said to feature actress Kangna Ranaut in a role that was said to be based on the life of former model Geetanjali Nagpal.

The latest controversy plaguing the film comes shortly after granting of an ''adults only'' certificate to the film due to its ''bold scenes''.

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