Click it and Unblock the Notifications
100 years of Indian Cinema Celebration: Upset Leelavathi Speaks
With each passing day, 100 years of Indian Cinema Celebration is becoming more controversial. It is well known fact that many in the industry were upset with the organisers as they were mere importance. It was reported that the organisers insulted Kannada veteran actress Leelavathi and Jayamala.
The event was held in Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, from September 21-24. Initially, Kannada industry, expressed their anger towards the event for neglecting Kannada actors and Karnataka Chief Minister in the invite.
Leelavathi, who was back in Bangalore after the event, expressed her unhappiness towards the organising committee of the Indian Cinema Centenary Celebrations. Earlier, it was said that the actress name was included in the honours' list, but in the venue she was not allowed inside by organisers claiming she was late.
Talking about the issue to a leading News Channel, Leelavathi said, "I was invited by Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy in the last day of the event, to receive felicitation from President Pranab Mukherjee."
"As it was clearly stated by the organisers to be on-time, me and my son Vinod Raj reached the venue at 4 in the evening, but police officials didn't let me inside. I called up the representatives from Kannada film industry, but there was no response from any one," she added.
Continue reading the story on slides...
Leelavathi Didn't Have Money!
Leelavathi said, "I was very happy to take part in the event. As we were not having sufficient money to go to Chennai, we sold the vegetables and coconuts, which we had grown in our farm house and went to Chennai."
Leelavathi Cried
Leelavathi said that she cried when she was in OMR street, Chennai. She said, "Chennai is not new to me, I was here for many years. But, I was hurt to return empty hand."
Organisers Didn't Provide Food Pass
"They also refused to give the dinner pass, I didn't expect this treatment from any one in our industry. I went to get the award, but I returned with tears," Leelavathi addded.
Life Time Achievement
Leelavathi's son Vinod Raj said, "They had said that my mother will be felicitated by Life Time Achievement Award, but this incident made her cry."
Disrespect To Jayamala
It is said that actress Jayamala was called upon stage to receive honour, and later she was sent back by saying her name is not there in the list.
Cheap Politics By Jayalalithaa
Sources said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa has played cheap politics in the name of event. Sources added, "Why did they print her photo in the invite, when it is organised by South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce?"
S Narayan Targeted
Kannada director S Narayan, who was also in-charge of the Kannada industry for the event is blamed for this incident. However, Narayan cleared, "It was clearly said for the people to be on time, hope Leelavathi was not aware of this. I did not prepare the honours' list."
