Bangalore
Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa is a fan of Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Paa—a film about a boy with the rare genetic condition Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.
Updated : Jan 24, 2010, 09:22 AM IST
Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa is a fan of Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Paa—a film about a boy with the rare genetic condition Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
After seeing the film with Big B on Saturday, Yeddyurappa ordered a state-wide survey to identify those affected with progeria.
“After the survey, we will provide financial assistance to those affected by progeria. Paa throws light on the condition. Therefore, I have directed all the ministers and senior officials to watch the film,” said Yeddyurappa.
Earlier, addressing a press conference along with Bachchan, Yeddyurappa said with its social message, the movie has created ripples all around. “The movie is very educative and the state government has given a 50% concession on entertainment tax,” said Yeddyurappa.
Bachchan said he’s grateful for the state’s gesture to exempt the film from full entertainment tax. Furthermore, Yeddyurappa made a pitch for the film, telling people to watch the film to understand how to handle the genetic condition.
Expressing his pleasure on visiting Bangalore, Bachchan said: “I am honoured and privileged to be in Bangalore. I thank chief minister BS Yeddyurappa for his valuable time for joining us in watching this film. We have made this film with a lot of love and affection.”
Big B lavished praise on Bangalore, saying the city’s achievements had drawn the world’s attention to it, as well as India. “I have many friends here and it’s a pleasure to come down to Bangalore. I am indebted to Bangalore and I cannot repay it,” he added.
When asked about his meetings with the BJP chief ministers in Gujarat and Karnataka in the past few weeks, Bachchan said: “I have even visited West Bengal. But that doesn’t make me a communist.” When asked about Amar Singh’s decision to quit from key posts in the Samajwadi Party, Bachchan said he’s does not interfere in political decisions.