New Delhi: Assamese filmmaker Manju Borah, who headed the committee entrusted with selecting India's official entry to the Academy Awards, said she is tired of defending 'Barfi', the jury's choice this year, and angry that her credibility is being questioned. The film is now under scrutiny because of charges of plagiarism but Borah said the 11-member jury was entirely justified in picking 'Barfi'.
"I lost my temper that day when someone asked me if we were paid for this (the selection exercise). Can you imagine? No, we weren't paid for this. We are all professionals. I left behind my work for 10 days to be on the selection committee. It's part of my duty," she said.
When told that Basu has been accused by bloggers and film critics of directly lifting scenes from several films, Borah said it is common among filmmakers to be influenced by the works of talented colleagues.
"Anurag Basu is a creative person and he should be honest to himself. There is nothing wrong in being influenced by great filmmakers. Many directors before him have been. Our issue was only to select the best film and Ranbir Kapoor portrayed 'Barfi' so well with his Chaplinesque act," Borah said. Most of the jury members were apparently moved when they saw 'Barfi'....
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08:57 AM, Sep 28, 2012
