Politics not my cup of tea: Malayalam filmmaker Balachandra Menon
New Delhi: Politics is a field best suited for "great people with extraordinary skills and human qualities", says veteran Malayalam filmmaker Balachandra Menon.
In an interview, Menon said, "Politics is not my cup of tea. I was invited in 1984 by Congress leader and former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran to contest parliament elections. My approach to politics is very serious. It must be handled by great people with extraordinary skills and human qualities. I feel I don't have qualities of that sort."
However, he said it doesn't mean he is an "escapist running away from realities".
"I am aware of my social obligations and commitments, which I express through my medium -- films. I never maligned the sanctity of cinema in my career. I always selected themes and made films with the fervent hope that they will never demoralise viewers.
This year, Menon, known as a "single-man industry", has made it to the Limca Book of Records for the maximum number of films directed, scripted and acted in.
Having helmed his first film at the age of 23, Menon has directed/scripted/acted in 29 films of the 36 films directed by him. He is now working on his 30th movie, "Ennalum Sarath", which he feels is also a "record of sorts" considering he has cast nine directors of Malayalam cinema as actors in the movie.
What has been his driving force?
"Competitive spirit is a driving force that keeps life going with a thrill. To be number one is a feeling planted and nursed in one's mind by others. But it is a totally different feeling when you achieve it in the same field which is your main hub of activity," said the 64-year-old Padma Shri awardee.
What is his take on the debate over freedom of expression in Indian cinema today?
"Today, the censor board is a toothless organ. They must be equipped with more administrative powers to enforce their deliberations. The selection of board members has to be more serious, vigilant and quality-based, free from communal and political interference," He replied.
As for his own journey in Malayalam filmdom, Menon said, "I was and I am a loner."
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Agra man arrested for harassing, touching inappropriately Czech tourist visiting Taj Mahal
Agra, Apr 6 (PTI): A man was arrested for allegedly harassing and touching inappropriately a tourist from the Czech Republic visiting the Taj Mahal, police said on Sunday.
The alleged incident occurred on April 3 and the arrest was made after a thorough investigation, they said.
In a written complaint at the Tourist police station, the woman alleged that she was "touched inappropriately and harassed" while walking along the Shamshan Ghat Road around 1 pm, they added.
The police registered a case and began a probe, deploying multiple teams to nab the accused.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Taj Security) Syed Areeb Ahmed said, "A case was registered on the complaint of the foreign woman. Several teams were deployed to search for the accused. (Footage from) several CCTV cameras covering the area was scanned. After investigation, the accused Karan Rathore was arrested on Sunday."
The woman has identified Rathore as the accused and he has been taken into custody, the officer said.
