India: Controversial film censored in three states

August 15th, 2011

The release of Amitabh Bachchan’s controversial new film, Aarakshan, which focuses on students benefiting from India’s quota system for Dalits (untouchables), has been met with protests and criticism from groups representing low-caste Hindus. Lawmakers in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh made an initial decision to block the release of the film, following the public’s reaction. Officials in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh decided instead to release a censored version of the feature, removing any scenes that would illicit anger from citizens. In Uttar Pradesh, the ban is still in place.

Indian “Picasso” banned from show

August 25th, 2009

Maqbool Fida Husain, hailed by many as India’s Picasso, has been told his paintings will not be displayed at the India Art Summit, the countries biggest art extravaganza for the second year in a row. The 94-year-olds paintings have drawn criticism, as well as lawsuits, from hard-line Hindus who are angered that some depict Hindu goddesses in the nude. The Muslim artist went to exile in Dubai three years ago. Read more here

Slumming it

February 2nd, 2009

Indians calling for the banning of hit film Slumdog Millionaire are displaying a very skewed sense of priority, says Salil Tripathi

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