Gulzar
Veteran writer-filmmaker Gulzar, who has directed many path-breaking films like Koshish, Aandhi and Maachis says that cinema is a mirror of society, however, it has spared people as far as sexual harassment cases are concerned. He said that cinema is not a Bible, which will teach moral values to people.
The #MeToo movement exploded in India after Tanushree Dutta decided to revive the decade-old complaint of harassment against Nana Patekar.
Commenting on the movement that has gained momentum, Gulzar said: "Cinema is reflection of the society. If we say harassment of a woman or a girl is happening only in cinema, then I don't think so. It has spread all over the society. Cinema has yet spared you where sexual harassment cases are still occurring with 4-year-old girl and a 8-year-old girl and thank God that cinema hasn't put that mirror in front of people.
"But beware, cinema has started reflecting every part of your life."
He said cinema cannot teach people how to be good humans. "It is not only dependent on good old stories. We say we love children and we respect women, but are we doing that in our real life? So cinema is still sparing you... Which you have started realising, so let the cinema come in and tell you this is what you are. It is not that cinema will teach us good values and morals to carry. Cinema is not meant for that. If you are thinking that cinema is like a Bible which will teach you to be a good human, then you are mistaken."
Gulzar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2004.
(With IANS inputs)
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