Dear all, At around 12 noon, I submitted copies of the letter appended below to the Films Division Chief Producer Kuldeep Sinha and the Director of IFFI Mr S M Khan. I was informed that the documentary Film was withdrawn as the State Administration did not want a confrontation with the protesting groups. Both of them expressed their dismay over the turn of events but expressed hope that the documentary Film on India's foremost Artist would be screened at a deferred future date, subject to them getting the green signal from the State administration.
Copy of my letter: Through Newspaper reports, I understand that the Films Division of India has decided to withdraw the screening of a documentary Film on M.F. Hussein titled "Through the Eyes of the Painter", scheduled for screening on 25th November 2008. If the reports are true, then such a decision comes across as hugely distressing nay shocking to the connoisseurs of Indian Art and Cinema. It is extremely sad and disappointing to note that M.F. Husain, India's pioneer Artist, continues to be treated in such a shabby manner by the State and its different Agencies/ Bodies, who instead of upholding the laws of the land, are bowing down to pressures from fringe radical elements from the society. It is pertinent to point out that the highest Courts of the land have ruled in favour of M.F. Hussain. In its Judgment vindicating Hussain's Art, Justice Kaul from the Delhi High Court observed: "India's new Puritanism, practiced by a largely ignorant crowd in the name of Indian spiritual purity, is threatening to throw the nation back into the Pre-Renaissance era," "Today, each painting has a story to narrate. Art to every artist is a vehicle for personal expression. An aesthetic work of art has the vigour to connect to an individual sensually, emotionally, mentally and spiritually," the court further observed. The Supreme Court also upheld the High court ruling in favour of Hussein, thus preserving the Artist's rights of Freedom of artistic expression. M.F. Hussain is India's greatest Artist, aptly described by Forbes magazine as the "Picasso of India". In his illustrious career spanning across 7 decades, he has won the highest honours of the land including State Awards such as the "Padma Bhushan" in 1973 and the "Padma Vibhushan" in 1991. Today, Husain who has gone on to become the highest paid painter in India with his single canvases having fetched up to $2 million at a recent Christie's auction, is an inspiration to thousands of artists across India. On the other hand, organizations like the Sanatan Saunstha and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti are radical organizations that wish to lead India and Hinduism back into the dark ages. (Please check the attachment to see graphical illustrations of the hate propaganda that appears in their websites and in their published dailies against our National leaders, Christians and Muslims and even the Judiciary) The State and the Film Division of India should not allow themselves to be bowed down by the self-proclaimed moral policemen who have time-and-again proved that they do not respect the laws of the land. M.F. Hussain, who has brought such immense honour to our country and to our civilization, certainly does not deserve to be harassed by malicious propaganda from such fringe radical Hindu organizations! India is a liberal secular Republic. When the Highest Courts of the land have ruled in favour of Hussain, withdrawing the screening would thus tantamount to showing great disrespect to the highest democratic Institutions of our society. As a registered IFFI delegate, I would certainly hope that the documentary is screened as scheduled. Yours sincerely Sandeep Heble Panjim-Goa
