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ShareSRINAGAR: Kashmiri pandit and filmmaker Sanjay Kak is a proud man, even if he had to re-live tragic memories of 17 years of turmoil. His documentary film Jashen-e-Azadi (celebration of freedom) has brought back grim memories of death and destruction, striking a cord with bruised Kashmiris and earning him plaudits.
Everyone from the common man to the glitterati of Kashmir took time out to watch the special screening of the film, at the Tagore Hall in Srinagar, on Saturday. Pro-freedom slogans filled the air, as the film depicted the horrendous scenes that have become the hallmark of the 17-year armed struggle. The documentary, longer than 2 hours, is the first endeavour of Kak to depict the misery in Kashmir.
The filmmaker has tried hard to showcase the intricacies of the separatist struggle in Kashmir. "This is not a film made just for Kashmiris. It is a film made for the Indian audience. Its aim is to disturb them. The intention is to worry the Indian audience by depicting the reality," says Kak, adding, "I see difficult times ahead. Political process has little connection with reality.
And in next five years I see no peace returning to the valley because there are too many forces to destabilize honest discussions." Eyebrows were raised when a Kashmiri pandit came out and spoke of azadi but Kak dismisses any concerns. "I do not essentially see myself as Kashmiri pandit. I am a Kashmiri and made the film from that point of view," he says.
Kak got a standing ovationafter the screening. A separatist leader even presented his shawl to him. Others too gave glowing reviews. "I think this is the first such endeavour in which reality has been shown. It is not regular propaganda stuff which we see in the media today," said Dr Zaffar Mehdi after watching the film.
