15-Minute  Blackout Across Indian Film Industry To Protest Against Padmavati Protests

As  the Padmavati protests turn violent and now,gruesome , the  film industry has resolved  to  fight back in  a  big way.

Distinguished members  of the fraternity feel outraged.

Says Shabana Azmi, “The  nation is  in the  grip of a hyper-nationalism. These exaggerated protests against  imagined   insults  to the nation’s pride have never been as bad as as it is today. I  won’t be  a stifled bystander while my colleague Deeepika Padukone is issued death threats.”

Ashok Pandit one  of the most vocal supporters  of  Padmavati , is also the President  of the Indian  Films  & Television Directors’ Association(IFTDA)  has  called  for a  15-minute tools-down for the entire Indian film industry on Sunday afternoon .

Says  Ashoke, “We’ve called  for a complete blackout in every film industry of India in the North, South and east. It is now  up them whether they want to  join us in this  silent  protest or not.In Mumbai , film workers  owing allegiance to  21  organizations and associations are  coming together at Film City at  precisely 3.30 pm. We will proceed  with the  blackout from4.30 pm  to  4.45 pm.”

Ashoke feels  it’s a now-or-never situation for the  film industry. “We cannot give in to the  goon element. Today they are demanding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s head and DeepikaPadukone’s nose. Only God  knows what they will be demanding next. We cannot allow hoodlums  from the fringe elements  to  dictate  to  us.”

Ashoke feels  a lack of solidarity  in the  film industry. “Everyone is  into his own world impervious to what is happening elsewhere.That’s wrong. Today they are doing this  toBhansali. Tomorrow it could be you or me.”