‘Monica’ has nothing to do with Niira Radia: Producer Kush Bhargava

Politician-filmmaker Kush Bhargava says his film ‘Monica’, which is releasing Friday, has nothing to do with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and that it was completed much before she came into the public eye.
‘This movie was made more than a year ago when her (Niira Radia) name was known to very few people and she was not a public figure. So from my side it is a categorical denial that ‘Monica’ has anything to do with Niira Radia,’ Bhargava told IANS on the phone from Mumbai.
‘In fact, it is not the story of anyone dead or alive. It is inspired by many stories like Shivani (Shivani Bhatnagar was an Indian Express journalist killed in 1999) and Madhumita Shukla (Lucknow based poetess who was also killed).
‘I have been asked this question at press meets before the release of the film whether it has anything to do with 2G or 3G scam? And I have categorically denied this. Plus, the protagonist Monica dies in the film,’ said the Lucknow-based Congress leader adding: ‘Of course, the film is releasing on Friday.’
Inspired by ambitious women, the film has Divya Dutta in the main lead. Yashpal Sharma and Kittu Gidwani will also be seen in it.
Niira Radia, linked to the spectrum scam, Thursday urged the Delhi High Court to stay the release of ‘Monica’ that she said depicted her life in a scandalous manner.
Justice V.K. Jain issued notice to Bhargava asking him to file a copy of the film script or a CD by March 30, the next date of hearing.
Asked about the notice, Bhargava said: ‘I have no knowledge whatsoever of any petition of this sort. I have not received any notice from the honourable court.’
He also clarified that the title of the film is ‘Monica’ adding: ‘The words ‘The politics of murder’ are just being used for publicity on posters.’
This is Bhargava’s first feature film. Earlier he made a telefilm ‘Kasak’ with Deepti Naval.
Source: in.movies.yahoo.com

Niira Radia seeks stay on film depicting her life

Corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, linked to the spectrum scam, Thursday urged the Delhi High Court to stay the release of film ‘Monica - The Politics of Murder’ that she said depicted her life in a scandalous manner. But her lawyer said the film will be released Friday.
However, Justice V.K. Jain issued notice to the producer of the film, Kush Bhargava, a Lucknow-based Congress leader, asking him to file a copy of the film script or a CD by March 30, the next hearing.
The court said without looking at the script or CD, no opinion could be formed on the film.
Radia, director of Vaishnavi Corporate Communications Pvt Ltd whose telephonic conversations with corporate heads, journalists and political leaders were taped, filed the petition seeking ‘permanent injunction’ against the release of the film.
‘Radia has not assigned anyone the right to make a film based on her life or any film showing the life of the petitioner... The production of the film in such a brazen manner and public viewing of such film will tarnish or damage her image and reputation beyond repair,’ said Radia’s advocate, Anip Sachthey.
‘Divya Dutta, the protagonist, will have shades of both Shivani Bhatnagar (an Indian Express journalist killed in 1999) and Niira Radia,’ said Sachthey, citing media reports.
The other actors in the film include Yashpal Sharma and Kittu Gidwani.
Before issuing the notice, Justice Jain said that it was the censor board which gave it a certificate after viewing it.
Radia said in her petition that permitting the publication of the transcripts would cause gross harm and damage.
‘An ordinary citizen, who is not a public figure, is entitled to the right to privacy which is protected under article 21 of the constitution and the said right shall take precedence over all other rights of the public,’ the petition said.
Source: in.movies.yahoo.com