November 15, 2017
The Maharashtra government has provided a precautionary
security cover to Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali amidst increasing
controversies and growing threats ahead of the release of his movie "Padmavati",
officials said here.
The level of security provided to him is not yet
clear, and Bhansali has so far not commented on it.
However, the Indian
Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has thanked Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis for the security cover to Bhansali who lives and works in
Mumbai.
"We have no words to express our gratitude for providing police
protection to our esteemed member," filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said on behalf of
the film fraternity.
"We commend your assurance to keep the law and order
situation in control that speaks volumes of the efficiency of your staff and the
police personnel," he said in a letter to Fadnavis.
Pandit also urged the
state government to "help the victim" release his film without anybody's
intrusion and with safety to Bhansali's life so that he continues to make
memorable films and help the future generations learn from his legacy.
Bhansali has been facing the ire of various groups and self-styled experts on
what they term as 'erroneous' depiction of Rajput queen Rani Padmavati.
There have been protests and violence against Bhansali and opposition to the
film right from the time it was being shot at various locales in different parts
of India and now, as it prepares for release globally soon.
Barring these
groups and individuals, the entire film fraternity and civil society members
have expressed support to Bhansali for his latest film venture.