Indian gay film accused of ‘defaming’ city and university
An Indian film about a gay professor at a university has been accused of “defaming” a city.
The film, Aligarh, is about a gay professor at the Aligarh Muslim University.
The city’s mayor Shakuntala Bharti and student body have started to campaign against the film, claiming that it amounts to defamation.
The critically acclaimed film follows the life of AMU professor Ramchandra Siras.
The real life professor was suspended from his job because he is gay.
“We will not let the film be screened in the city at any cost. Why the film was titled Aligarh, is it a conspiracy to defame the city that is famous for its cultural heritage,” said the mayor.
“There are thousands of other names, they could have taken any of those, why they titled the film on this city’s name. It will bring bad name to Aligarh. We will not tolerate this,” she said.
Students at the university have said they plan to picket any screenings which may take place of the film.
Director, Hansal Mehta said the mayor “has no authority to ban the movie and he will approach the state government over the issue.”
“We make films where a healthy debate is inevitable. People should discuss such issues openly. We are talking about humanity, every human has an equal right,” he said previously.
