“When I made Abandoned Cranes, it was tough to talk about Kashmiri Pandits and was shown as pushing right wing agenda……” - Siddharth Acharya. Siddharth Acharya, who hails from Bikaner, Rajasthan; is a lawyer-cum-enthusiastic filmmaker. He completed his LLB and is working as an associate in a law firm ‘Oasis Counsel and Advisory’ in Mumbai. KHF(Kashmiri Hindu Foundation) gave a special award to Siddharth Acharya, for his commendable work ‘The Abandoned Cranes’ a documentary which played a major role in educating people about the Kashmir history and the brutal genocide of Kashmiri Pandits. It also speaks on article 370 and the lives of migrants in exile camps. Mainstream media always spoke of post godhra riots, but never bothered to speak on the atrocities meted out against the Kashmiri Hindus in 1990. The time has come to question ourselves why have we as a nation failed to protect it’s own citizens! This documentary is indeed thought provoking in nature. I was privileged enough to take the short interview of this enthusiastic film maker Siddharth. 1. Siddharth, what would you like to say about ‘The Abandoned Cranes’? For me abandoned cranes was a personal journey to understand how a person feels when he is living life of a refugee. When I made Abandoned Cranes it was tough to talk about Kashmiri pandits and was shown as pushing right wing agenda. I always felt they are the worst victims in Independent India. But after the film people have realised that even Hindu can be a victim of human right violation and his plight needs to be showcased at large. Things are changing and I am sure that there will be a time when cranes will return to their home. I strongly feel new government in State and Centre will create a favourable environment for community rehabilitation of Pandits. 2. How do you feel after achieving this project? I wont say I feel accomplished because success of film has inspired to take cause of other beleaguered communities who are staying life of refugees in their own motherland. 3. Apart from this, what are your other projects? My other documentaries are ‘Czar of the Bar’ on life of legendary lawyer Ram Jethmalani. 4. Any upcoming project Siddharth? My upcoming documentary is on displaced Hindu refugees of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir. -Deepika
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 12:04:34 +0000