Tollywood calls for instant halt to dubbing of Hindi films and serials in Bengali

In the wake of dubbed versions of Yash Raj Films’ Gunday releasing simultaneously in Hindi and Bengali in the state, the peeved Bengal Film Industry has called for an immediate halt to dubbing of Hindi films and Telly soaps in Bengali. Gunday was shot extensively in the city and other parts of West Bengal capturing the flavour of the state in the 1970s and 1980s. Observed Bengal film superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, “We have nothing personal against any producers. In fact we have high regard for legendary producer-directors like late Yashji. But as Bengali film industry is poised for a turnaround with audiences returning to the theatres again, any cinematic work dubbed in the language and screened will create an unfair situation. Our gentle request is please stop this. I would have talked to Yashji about this had he been around … If any artiste from here still wishes to be part of any such dubbing venture we will be forced to boycott him/her.” Commented Parambrata Chatterjee who will soon be seen in Venus’ Gang of Ghosts, “We are not issuing any threat to anybody. But the local industry has its stake. This is our united stand and we mean it.” Averred Srikant Mohta of Shree Venkatesh, “At a time when Tollywood films are attracting good audience response due to content and quality, we have to work for saving this limited market.” Producer Ashok Dhanuka of Eskay Movies said the Bengali film industry has attracted a total investment of Rs 1,500 crore in recent times from just Rs 10 to Rs 15 crore a few years ago. If we don’t protect Bengali film industry, it will spell doom.” These people were speaking at an emergency meeting called by the Bengali Film Industry at a film studio. Those who also attended the meeting were directors Kamaleswar Mukhopadhyay, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Moinak Bhowmik, Sudeshna Roy, Abhijit Guha, actors Rajatabhao Dutta, music composer-director Debajyoti Mishra, Indradeep Dasgupta and producer Nishpal Singh Rane.