'Aligarh' Faces Opposition in Aligarh, Mayor Says 'Film Will Defame City'

Aligarh: Aligarh, the movie based on the life of gay professor of the Aligarh Muslim University is now facing an opposition from city Mayor Shakuntala Bharti and student body , who says the movie is an attempt to "defame" the city.

Manoj Bajpayee starrer Aligarh, widely acclaimed movie, is based on the life of AMU professor Ramchandra Siras who was suspended from his job because of his sexual orientation.

"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," the Mayor said.
 
"There are thousands of other name, they could have taken any of those, why they titled the film on city's name. It will bring bad name to Aligarh. We will not tolerate this," she said.

Another Aligarh-based group Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC) has also opposed the screening of the movie.

"We don't have objection with the film but we have objections to its title. In future, name of Aligarh will be associated with homosexuality," said Jasim Mohd of MBMC group.

Students of AMU had earlier raised their objection over the title and had said they would be forced to stage public demonstrations if the movie was screened.

Director, Hansal Mehta, who has used the picture of AMU's famous Victoria gate on film posters, said, "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 had earlier said.