Jimmy Sheirgill: 'Shorgul' not based on anyone's life

Jimmy Sheirgill

After a petition was filed against forthcoming Bollywood film "Shorgul" alleging that it featured characters inspired by BJP legislator Sangeet Som, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and cabinet Minister Azam Khan, actor Jimmy Sheirgill has said the movie is not based on anyone's life.

Jimmy Sheirgill

"'Shorgul' is not a biopic. If it was, we would have taken permission and spent time with the person concerned as we have to understand our role. But there is nothing like that. It is a socio-political film, with a love story," Jimmy told IANS.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by Milan Som, a local leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday, is based on what is shown in the movie's trailer.

Asked to comment on it, Jimmy said: "How the trailer is made is on the makers of the film. It's not in the actor's hands. The film is not based on any person's life."

Jimmy also said that the movie has already gone through the censor board, which has passed it.

"There is also a clipping which clearly states that all characters are fictitious," he added.

"Shorgul" co-director Jitendra Tiwari also defended the movie, saying that the film is based on the basic principle of "where does humanity stand".

"It is not based on a single incident or individual. We are extremely proud of the fact that the film is inspired by incidents that the common man can immediately relate to. We are bringing a contemporary twist to incidents that have fundamentally affected the peace of a democracy as ours by asking the question of 'where does humanity stand in the midst of intolerance'," Tiwari said.

The film, which Tiwari has co-directed with P. Singh, is set against the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh. It touches upon intolerance and the cacophony created by religious, social, political and economic prejudices.