USA: Aamir Khan produces film "Peepli Live" which addresses farmer suicides in India

Record ID: 781144

  • Title: USA: Aamir Khan produces film "Peepli Live" which addresses farmer suicides in India
  • Date: 21st August 2010
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (RECENT) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE0 (English) AAMIR KHAN SAYING "It's reflective of how rural life in India is today and how, as a society we are moving all our resources, all our energies, are all concentrated towards cities. So, where is the wealth, the economic wealth, all the resources, and we're not even thinking of the bulk of India, which lives in rural India and villages."
  • Embargoed: 5th September 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVAKVM6SR7ZPUSUK1YW7AW7NECU
  • Story Text: "Peepli Live" is the latest production of Indian actor, producer and director Aamir Khan. The story takes place in the imaginary village of Peepli and follows the lives of two Indian farmers who lose their land and become indebted to the Indian government.
    Natha and Budhia, two brothers, seek the help of local politicians when they loose a plot of their land to the government due to an unpaid loan. However, the local government has no concern for their problems and mockingly suggests that one of the brothers kill himself in order to receive a governmental grant of 100,000 rupees ($2000) that is handed to the families of farmers who have committed suicide.
    The small comment leads to a big idea that makes headlines throughout India. Soon, everyone wants to get involved with the brothers, from state governments to national and local media; people suddenly become interested in the life and possible death of Natha, who has told his brother that he will kill himself to save the family.
    Producer Khan believes the story will catch the attention of today's audiences as it explores some of the current issues plaguing India. "It's reflective of how rural life in India is today and how, as a society we are moving all our resources, all our energies, are all concentrated towards cities." said Khan. "So, where is the wealth, the economic wealth, all the resources, and we're not even thinking of the bulk of India, which lives in rural India and villages."
    Additionally, he commented on the changing trends of Indian filmmakers and audiences. "Well, the audience and film making in India is going through a change. I think in the last ten odd years, I think a lot of young filmmakers have come up with their voices and their own ideas and audiences have also been changing, I think." said Khan. "Very unusual films that are doing fairly well and what was once understood as the formula for mainstream cinema doesn't exist anymore I think."
    Aamir Khan is a respected Indian actor, producer and director who received an Academy Award nomination for his production debut in 2001 with the film "Lagaan".He has accumulated various awards throughout his career, including two Filmfare Best Actor Awards and a Filmfare Best Director Award.
    "Peepli Live is now out in US theaters.
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