Protest on March 20 over 'Christian' Chaplin row

A protest will be organised on March 20 by Kannada film director Hemanth Hedge who faced the wrath of Hindu nationalists who opposed him erecting the statue of legendary comedian Charlie Chaplin, citing he was a 'Christian' and had made no contribution to India.

The agitation, said Hedge, will be joined by the film fraternity and software professionals who will submit a memorandum to governor Rameshwar Thakur.

"It is quite silly actually. One of the leaders said we can't see Chaplin statue's face, who is a Christian and go into the temple. That was the objection," Hegde said.

"We are artists and we have nothing to do with politics. I was constructing the statue in an artistic manner. I never intended to hurt any religious sentiments. I am really hurt because politics should never mix with art," he added.

The construction of the 62-feet-high statue was allegedly halted by activists belonging to the Hindu Jagrana Vedike, linked to the attack on a Christian school in Karnataka during May 2008.

"Many literary, theatre and film personalities have been shocked over this incident. They want to mark their protest against such growing intolerant tendencies of some groups, which is bringing a bad name to the state. Such acts put restrictions on the creative freedom enjoyed by film and theatre directors," said Nanda, Mr. Hegde's coordinator and an organiser of plays.

Hegde wanted to install Chaplin's statue at Maravanthe beach, about 400 km from Bangalore, for his film "House Full".

The incident apparently has exposed the "communal" color of the saffron groups, even as more churches and pastors are attacked for their 'Christian identity'.

Earlier this month, there were reports of Karnataka govt contemplating on an anti-conversion bill, joining seven other states in passing the draconian bill.