This is stupid to stop a play. Where is the freedom of expression?
Ban on Play Mr. Jinnah
arvind gaur
July 5, 2005
http://www.chowk.com/show_article.cgi?aid=00005316&channel=gulberg
Written on June 21, 2005
To readers:
The play “Mr. Jinnah” directed by Arvind Gaur, has been banned from being staged for no rhyme or reason by the Delhi police. It is not just an authoritarian, an undemocratic decision but also a direct attack on the intellect and experience of well known author Dr. Narendra Mohan and director Arvind Gaur.
Not allowing staging of the play is also an attempt to culture policing and moral policing of the artists of this city. The police so far have not been able to cite a proper cause for the ban yet they agree that there is nothing objectionable in the play. On the other hand they say that they have pressure from “ABOVE”.
On June 22, 2005 as a symbolic silent protest the writers and dramatists, authors, artists, actors, filmmakers, theatre lovers, and other intellectuals, historians and general public staged a portion of the play in front of the Lodi road police station, and which gave lots of boils and blisters to the police.
It is no longer a matter of just a play, because it is obvious now that the govt. and authorities are trying to censor our thoughts and speech. we seek the support of all artists, film makers, actors, writers, theatre lovers, and other intellectuals who feel that they will not let the police take away our “FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF SPEECH AND CREATIVE __EXPRESSION.”
A resolution regarding the same was signed and passed by all the people present there.
If you feel that you have got the hatred for Pakistan as a heritage and do not want to pass on this hatred to the next generations. And if you feel the need to make friends with Pakistan more than buses and trains what we need today is to revisit history and forgive and forget and carry on as good neighbours then read on.
If you really think that the burned bridges can be built and it will heal the mass anger and hurt by taking another perspective at the events which were just a part of our history books. And if you are optimistic enough to accept that to love or hate a person first you need to know about him, then please come and see Mr. Jinnah.
I am not saying this because I am part of the cast, but because I feel that they are taking away my fundamental rights. ironically they didn`t let us perform a street theatre on the street, tomorrow they might ask for a NOC for walking on the street or thinking.
We request all creative people to — Please try to generate awareness and be open to revisit history, because we really now need to look into our country, our govt. and our basic rights as artists. And we being the generation of today, if we don`t stand up now then we will leave our next generations mentally and creatively crippled.
On one hand the present govt. is advancing towards “friendship with Pakistan” on the other hand they are running scared that “Mr. Jinnah” will open too many truths.
The lead actor of Mr. Jinnah, Susan Brar was aggrieved due to demise of his mother yesterday morning. We express our heartfelt condolences to Susan. Though it was tough but Susan decided to stand by the team in joining the protest. I could then feel the pain Jinnah as a person must have felt when his wife died or his when his daughter left his house. But the leader maintained a brave face. Susan left yesterday night to attend his mother`s funeral today morning.
Signed:
Anupam Pachauri and Sangeeta Das for Asmita