Dibakar Banerjee, 9 others return National Awards

Though the students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) have called off their 136-day strike, the situation is far from reaching its closure. Ten eminent filmmakers, including Dibakar Banerjee and Anand Patwardhan, expressing solidarity with the students, returned their National Awards on Wednesday. The other filmmakers who have joined Mr Banerjee and Mr Patwardhan are Paresh Kamdar, Nishtha Jain, Kirti Nakhwa, Harshavardhan Kulkarni, Hari Nair, Rakesh Sharma, Indraneel Lahiri and Lipika Singh Darai.

A statement signed by these filmmakers read: The government of India must urgently reveal its commitment to protect the freedom of expression of each citizen.

At a press conference in Mumbai, Mr Banerjee said, “I never thought I would return my award. I can say this, that if FTII’s ethos is protected and strengthened, then not only will I think of taking back my award, but will hand out 10 other awards with joy.”

He also made it clear that the decision was not politically motivated. “It is motivated by my conscience. I am returning this to try and raise attention of the people. If someone who watched my film and liked it, then he might watch this is in the press and say this guy is saying something. Maybe I should listen. He may also dismiss me. But this is what I can do and I am doing it.”

Veteran documentary filmmaker Mr Patwardhan told the press that he was more afraid today than he was during the Emergency, “Now there are roving gangs looking to indulge in violence against anyone who speaks out. Our appeal is to the people, not the government. We want to be a part of the awakening that is happening around the country, like the scientists, artists and writers returning their awards.”

Nishtha Jain, maker of Gulaabi Gang (2014), added, “This is the beginning of my protest and not the end. We have to think of more clever ways of protesting.”

List gets longer Dibaker Banerjee Anant Patwardhan Paresh Kamdar Nishtha Jain Kirti Nakhwa Harshavardhan Kulkarni Hari Nair Rakesh Sharma Indraneel Lahiri Lipika Singh Darai