We respect all faiths: Rakjumar Hirani

Director talks about free religion rights and the momentous need of a brotherhood culture.

NEW DELHI: Rajkumar Hirani’s latest offering PK is going strong at the box office, but some of the film’s content has not gone down well with activists who misunderstood the idea of the movie. Protests have been staged in various places in India, such as Bhopal, Agra and Ahmedabad by activists, leaving Hirani concerned.

“I’m deeply saddened and concerned about the protests by some groups against our film PK. On behalf of the entire team of PK, I would like to clarify that we respect all religions and faiths,” Hirani, who has directed films like Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Munna Bhai MBBS, said in a statement.

“Our film is inspired by the ideas of Sant Kabir and Mahatma Gandhi. It is a film which brings to fore the thought that all humans who inhabit this planet are the same. There are no differences. In fact, I have the highest respect for the concept of ‘Advait’ — the oneness of all humans — that is central to Indian culture, thought, and religion,” Hirani said.

“It saddens me to think that a film that upholds this great Hindu principle is accused of being disrespectful of Hinduism. I would like to thank the millions of deeply religious people who have loved the film and expressed their feeling that the film, in fact, upholds the spirit of true religiosity and condemns only the abuse of it,” he added.

The director, who also questioned the education system of India in Aamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots, says it was not the PK team’s intention to hurt anyone’s feelings.

“I appeal to the groups protesting against our film to see the film in totality and not just isolated scenes. Our intention is not to hurt anyone, or to discriminate against any religion. I would once again like to assure them that I have the highest regard towards all religions, and that we respect all religions and faiths,” he said.

“I believe in the idea that the whole world is a family. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and indeed all religions, teach us brotherhood and love. The intent of the film is to uphold this great thought,” he added. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2015.

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