Friday, February 22, 2008

'Jodhaa Akbar' banned in Ambala

'Jodhaa Akbar' banned in Ambala



The district administration imposed a ban on the screening of the Aishwarya Rai – Hrithik Roshan starrer Jodhaa Akbar in Ambala, following protests by members of the Rajput community who alleged that historical facts had been distorted in the film.

Members of the community led by Congress leader Chetan Chauhan went on a protest march in Ambala on Thursday demanding a ban on the screening of the Ashutosh Gowarikar directed film.

They submitted a memorandum to DC Ambala in which they said the film had hurt the sentiments of their community stating that Jodha Bai was Akbar's daughter-in-law and not his wife, as is portrayed in the film.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shyin imposed the ban with immediate effect on the film, which had released on February 15.

The film is being screened in two cinema halls in Ambala.

The protestors had also alleged that cinema halls had removed the posters of the film but were still screening it.

Meanwhile, a low intensity blast took place in a theatre screening 'Jodhaa Akbar' in Panvel town near Mumbai Wednesday afternoon.

No one was killed or injured in the explosion, police said.

"Some miscreants had placed a bag containing the explosive below a seat next to the gangway in Cineraj theatre. It exploded at around 1430 hours but the impact was so less that nobody in the audience, apart from the occupant of the seat, noticed it," Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ramrao Wagh said.

"We suspect this to be a handiwork of somebody who is against the film," he added.

The movie is being opposed by certain groups, including Rajputs, claiming it is historically inaccurate.

Minor damage was caused to the seat under which the explosive was kept.

Wagh said the show continued even after the incident.

Forensic experts visited the site immediately and traces of ammonium nitrate could be smelt in the air, he added.

"Ammonium nitrate is commonly available and also used in firecrackers."

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