Some Bhojpuri songs, please!

Filmmaker Nitin Chandra

Nitin Chandra, who is currently working on a film starring Manoj Bajpai and Naseeruddin Shah, has filed a petition against a private radio channel based in Patna.

Filmmaker Nitin Chandra

It seems that the channel only plays Hindi film songs and has no room for Bhojpuri and Maithili songs. Nitin argues that most channels in West Bengal and in South India make it a point to play songs in their regional language.

A screenshot of the online petition filed by Chandra

"I had requested this Patna-based channel to host a special programme where they could play Bhojpuri songs. However, they replied that the songs are a tad explicit and thus, can't be played on the channel.

This reply reeks of hypocrisy as they continue to play Hindi songs featuring sleazy lyrics. In fact, all neighbouring states play local songs except Bihar. Also, it is not correct to label all Bhojpuri songs vulgar," he emphasises.

The producer has now visited the offices of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in a bid to sort out the matter. "The I&B Ministry has taken up the matter with this radio channel. I have been told that as per government rules, it is mandatory for radio channels to encourage local artistes," he says.

He adds that with radio channels not doing their bit to support regional music, it has become difficult for producers like to him to get distributors' backing. "My film Deswa has travelled to several film festivals, including the Goa Film Festival.

I had also roped in the likes of Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Swananad Kirkire to work on the film's songs. But till date, I have not been able to release the film. Now if these channels were to play my film's songs, both the film and its music would get their due," he points out.