Learning Mandarin - Indian film focuses on women in 2002 riot

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Indian film focuses on women in 2002 riot


(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-07 17:07



The horrors of one of India's worst religious riots have come alive in a
new film that focuses on the atrocities through the eyes of a pregnant
woman who is raped and forced into prostitution by a mob.

The protagonist of "Kya Hum Jinda Hai?" (Are We Alive?), a 23-year-old
pregnant Muslim, is raped and has her house torched by a mob which then
leaves her at a brothel.

But the heroine, Shayra, pursues justice against all odds, even using her
earnings as a prostitute to pay her lawyers.

"The most important aim of the film is to show the pathetic condition of
women during and after a riot," director Rafique Pathan told Reuters.
"Women have no role in starting a riot, but they are the worst hit."

Human rights groups say some 2,500 people, mostly Muslims, were beaten or
burnt to death in the western state of Gujarat five years ago, although
officials put the toll at about 1,000.

The riots erupted after a Muslim mob is said to have torched a train
carrying Hindu pilgrims, killing 59 people.

Pathan says some 600 women saw their husbands being killed, many had
their houses burned down, some saw their children being stabbed and
hundreds of them were gang raped.

"Do Hindu or Muslim women deserve this? This question is at the heart of
my film," said Pathan.

The 77-minute Hindi film, which also tries to delve into the psyche of a
mob blinded to all reason, steers clear of holding any community
responsible for the carnage.

In Gujarat, where cultural vigilantism is widespread, cinema owners
refused to screen an earlier film about the 2002 riots, reportedly for
fear of being attacked by Hindu zealots.

Cultural vigilantes claim such films shouldn't be shown because they can
create fresh trouble.

But Pathan hopes his film will give courage to women victims of the
rioting and help them lead a life of dignity.

Many viewers agree.

"Please see the movie. You will know what women go through during chaos
not stirred by them," said Tabassum Syed, a 45-year-old widow who lost
her husband and two sons in the riots.

"Kya Hum Jinda Hai?," now showing in Gujarat, will open across the rest
of the country later this month.

?























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Pitt and Jolie to feature on Aussie Post stamp
* Michelle Pfeiffer treads Hollywood 'walk of fame'
* Forbes: Damon's a `Bourne' moneymaker
* Madonna is told her little African baby may have to return home
* Jennifer Aniston promoted to management





Today's Top News ?




* Foreign media enjoy greater access in China: FM
* Taliban warn of more kidnappings
* Economist: China to keep inflation in check
* Law on personal info 'next year'
* China bans stiff family planning slogans





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Learn mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing,