Hussain controversy: Goa CM says not aware of it

Panaji, Nov 26 (UNI) Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today denied knowledge of any controversy relating to M F Hussain's documentary being deferred on his request.

''What controversy? I am not aware of any controversy,'' he told mediapersons here, when asked about the controversy regarding the deferring of Hussain's short film ''Through the Eyes of a Painter''.

Stressing that he had not interfered in any thing, Mr Kamat said ''These are all technical things and it is for the programming committee to decide whether to defer a film or not.'' Stating that he had not seen any of Hussain's films, Mr Kamat said he was not aware of any thing.

Meanwhile, Directorate of Film Festival Director S M Khan said yesterday that the documentary, which was to be screened by the Film Division as part of IFFI, was withdrawn based on Mr Kamat's request.

Mr Khan said some organisations in Goa had sent a letter to Mr Kamat against screening the short film and threatened to stage demonstrations at the venue.

The Chief Minister had requested to stop the screening of the film and the film was deferred on that.

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