A series on the Constitution of India, directed by renowned film-maker Shyam Benegal, will be broadcast on Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha channels soon. Participating in a dialogue here on Wednesday, Mr Benegal said the series will make even the layman understand the Constitution, which is the source of all our rights.
He said the ten-part series will narrate the history of the making of Indian Constitution. “After it is aired in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha channels, it will be made available on Doordarshan and other commercial channels,” he said. “The tele-series revolves around the contemporary political situation of the country. It is a fact that our politicians do not know the basics of our Constiution, like the fundamental rights or the Directive Principles. We should remember that the Constitution is the image of the country,” he said.
Mr. Benegal went nostalgic when sharing his experiences during the production of film Manthan. “Late Verghese Kurien, the father of white revolution, had invited me to make a documentary on the success of dairy cooperative movement in Gujarat. We wanted to develop the documentary into a feature film for commercial purposes to reach out to a larger audience. But due to lack of funds, we had almost given up the idea. Fortunately, Mr. Kurien used his contacts with farmers to raise fund for the making of Manthan. He organised around 5 lakh farmers to donate Rs 2 towards the film. So, it became a film with largest number of producers,” he said.
He suggested that the Kannada film industry should take up issues concerning society. He told the industry to engage the policy-makers to come out with policies that can help the industry to cope up with the modern challenges.