Kashmir is out-of-bounds following a spate of recent killings. And Bipasha Basu’s film
Lamhaa
that attempts to showcase the problems of the locals, will not have its first screening in Srinagar as planned. The authorities have cancelled the gala fearing backlash from the separatists.
“I’d have liked to go back to Kashmir with my film since it was made for its people,” says a disappointed Basu. “ But I can understand the apprehension of the authorities, it’s a security issue.”
The unit had a difficult time during the initial shoots and Basu, after an ugly confrontation with the locals, had even flown home mid-way through the schedule,
refusing to go back. Eventually, she did return and insists that the second time the people were “warm and welcoming” and despite the “unpredictability of life there” she’d have liked a third visit.
“I feel badly for the newborns there. Imagine growing up in the shadow of the gun.... Imagine going out to play and having a bomb explode next to you.... Imagine waving goodbye to father and not knowing if he’ll return home safe. That’s the truth our film shows,” explains the actress.
“I feel badly for the newborns there. Imagine growing up in the shadow of the gun.... Imagine going out to play and having a bomb explode next to you.... Imagine waving goodbye to father and not knowing if he’ll return home safe. That’s the truth our film shows,” explains the actress.
The film has had its share of censor problems with dialogue cuts having to be incorporated. Basu insists that it’s time for the CBFC to set standards that are applied to every film.
“Some of their diktats are praiseworthy, some ridiculous. It’s time for them to figure out exactly what is unsuitable for universal viewing. Our film got an ‘A’ certificate even though there are no adult scenes. It should have got a ‘U/A’ certificate because it presents a reality that our kids need to see.”