Not bothered by controversy, says 'Yeh Hai India' maker

Rajasthan-born writer-director Harsh Lom says an unnecessary controversy has been created regarding his upcoming film "Yeh Hai India" over a few dialogues but he is not perturbed.

Lom, who recently returned to India after living in Australia, says: "I love India and stand for the freedom of expression given by my nation."

A judgment on a movie should be given after watching it and not based on a few dialogues, Lom said, when questioned about a YouTube video in which a Pakistani woman has criticized some dialogues from the movie's trailer.

One of the dialogues is: "Lekin humain sirf ye kehna hai ki wakai main agar kanoon aur vyavastha sabke liye ek samaan nahi hai toh bana dijiye ek naya Pakistan" (If law and order is not the same for everyone, then create a new Pakistan).

The woman who has raised a concern identifies herself as "social activist" Saba Sikander. In a YouTube video, she said: "Once again Bollywood has pitched a demand to divide the nation and it has again tried to belittle our nation the same way it has been doing so since years... Pakistan does have objections on this film."

Lom said these comments don't hold ground as he stands with the freedom of expression granted to all artistes in India.

"As a writer, I have the freedom to put forth my thoughts in the best way and this controversy holds no water as people should first watch the film and then make a viewpoint," he added.

His film "Yeh Hai India" has been to FOG Film Festival in San Francisco, and he says it has been appreciated.

Lom had settled down in Australia for a few years, but recently came back to India giving up his Australian citizenship.

"I left Australia thinking why should I give my entire life to a country where I was just not born," said Lom, who was honoured with a 'Youth Ambassador For Peace Award' by Universal Peace Federation in Delhi.

He has also helmed short films "Chicken Biryani" and "Chicken Biryani 2".

--IANS

arc/rb/mr