Dasari Narayana Rao, stirred up a controversy

Filmmaker and MP, Mr Dasari Narayana Rao, stirred up a controversy at the inaugural function of the 16th International Children’s Film Festival on Saturday by alleging that the Central government treated Telugu cine personalities as “second grade cinema citizens”.

Addressing the gathering at the Lalita Kala Thoranam in the city, he pointed out that many Telugu filmmakers eligible for Dada Saheb Phalke and Padma awards were overlooked by the Centre. Mr Dasari was cut up at being introduced as a producer and said that he had directed 148 movies and had also got into the Guinness Book of World Records.

“The first movie in this country on children was made by Telugu film industry 61 years ago,” said Mr Dasari.

“We are not lesser than any other industry. Despite that, the Hindi film industry takes away all the limelight.”

He also turned to the information and broadcasting minister, Ms Ambika Soni, who was on the dais, and asked her to understand the problems of the Telugu industry.

Mr Dasari added that many Telugu film producers couldn’t get funding from the Children’s Film Society of India to produce movies as it demanded 15 copies of the bounded script.

Though actor Nandita Das, chairperson of CFSI, tried to clarify, Mr Dasari continued to speak and told her that he was ready to prove his allegations.

“This festival is being organised by the AP government,” he said. “The CFSI should first stop operating from Mumbai and start its office in Hyderabad. Only then can children’s movies be made. The CFSI should start accepting applications for funding on the basis of the synopsis of the movie.”

However, Ms Soni denied the allegations and pointed out that in 2007, Telugu film Amulya was screened at this festival.”

We are not going to create any barriers in this festival as it is meant for children,” she said.