BHOPAL: The weeklong Khajuraho International Film Festival (KIFF) began on Sunday amid protests by Bajrang Dal, which is opposing the invite sent to Bobby Deol, lead actor of the web series Aashram.
Just over a month ago, a group of alleged Bajrang Dal workers vandalized an Aashram set in Bhopal, smeared ink on filmmaker Prakash Jha’s face and damaged Bobby Deol’s vanity van.
“We know how to chase them away from Khajuraho,” Chhatarpur district convener of Bajrang Dal, Surendra Shivhare, warned.
Prior to the festival, Bajrang Dal has submitted a memorandum, saying: “We will not tolerate any violation of Indian culture. We will not tolerate anything indecent.”
Organized by the Madhya Pradesh government along with Prayaas Productions, the seventh edition of Khajuraho International Film Festival is the first big event at the Unesco heritage town after Covid restrictions were relaxed. As many as 75 films will be screened in ‘Tapra Talkies’, a term given to the makeshift theatre of bamboo set up to screen the movies.
“The KIFF's founding principles centre on the discovery, promotion, and support of film-making in all genres, bringing together the diversity of forms, aesthetics, and content,” a government spokesperson said.
On the inaugural day, actor Govinda arrived in Khajuraho. Bobby Deol and Mallika Sherawat have also been invited.
Actor-turned politician Raja Bundela, who established the festival, said it’s part of the 75th Amrit Mahotsav of Freedom Movement. Talking to TOI, Bundela refused to comment on the protest against Deol.
