Director Bhatt cuts politicians to size

BHUBANESWAR: At a time when poll fever has taken centrestage across the country, film maker Mahesh Bhatt has given a thumbs down to politics. "Politics has turned out to be a dirty game. These days, leaders are busy nurturing their selfish interests," Bhatt, who was in the city to promote a documentary on the menace of genetically modified food, said.
When asked why Bollywood stars these days are so interested in politics, the director-producer said, "It is true that a handful of people have made a seamless transition from filmdom to politics.But that doesn't necessarily mean that the entire cine fraternity has any inclination towards politics.
"But as far as changing the perception that politics is getting debased and politicians corrupted is concerned, a person need not be a politician to make a difference. It is in the hands of the common man. If people are conscious and vigilant in choosing their leaders, nothing can stop the country from progressing," Bhatt opined.
"Though various political parties had approached me, I told them that I did not have it in my bone to be a politician. I am satisfied being a film maker," Bhatt said.
"But if people feel that I can be instrumental in bringing about a change, I would do that without getting into it. And as a film maker I do believe that it can be achieved even more sensitively and effectively," said Bhatt.
Though he confessed he has no plans of making any film on politics as yet, he said, "None of the films made on politics so far has been successful in portraying the true picture. Actually Bollywood is far from reality and only manufactures illusions."
However he appreciated a few films like Parzania, Mumbai Meri Jaan and Nandita Das' latest film Firaaq in making a conscious effort towards sensitive social issues.
Stressing on the need to wage a war against communalism, regionalism and terrorism by Indians all over the country, Bhatt said that in the present day, the primary focus of the government should be on the nation's law and order situation. "In fact, keeping in mind the present scenario, it was a wise decision to shift the IPL abroad," he said. "Every citizen should respect this decision," Bhatt added. "As terrorism is taking the centrestage and being debated on communal lines, it is time that both the government and its citizens join hands for a secure India," Bhatt exclaimed.
The eminent film maker and social activist was on a day-long visit to the city to create awareness about an issue which he cliams is a killer far more lethal than terrorism - the growing menace of genetically modified food items. He was present at the launch of a documentary "Poison on the Platter".
While the documentary has been anchored by Bhatt, it was directed by noted documentary filmmaker Ajay Kanchan, with whom Bhatt had made a documentary on the aftermath of the super-cyclone in Orissa.
The film highlights on "the Indian government's false claims of not allowing any genetically modified food into the country". It conclusively depicts how our supermarkets are packed with these food items and the biotech MNCs are cashing in on the ignorance of unsuspecting Indian consumers.
The film's launch was jointly organized by UNCAGE, Orissa, for a GM-free India and Hamara Beej Abhiyan (a campaign to restore the farmer's right to seed).
Speaking in the state, Bhatt said, "Orissa is trying really hard to make its presence felt on the national front. Reeling under poor economic condition and recurring spells of natural disasters, Orissa needs more time to rise." He urged the people of the state in power to work earnestly to solve these issues.
However, speaking highly of the innocence and simplicity of the Oriyas, he appreciated the people for their strength of heart and high spirit in times of such adversities.