'Is BIFFes being held for me?': Shivakumar defends 'nut-bolt' attack on Kannada film industry

Shivakumar offered to “rectify” his mistakes, but did not stop his censure of Sandalwood, especially the stars, for indifference towards the BIFFes.

Bengaluru: Notwithstanding criticism, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday defended his attack on the Kannada film industry whose “nuts and bolts” he wants to “tighten”.

Shivakumar even offered to “rectify” his mistakes, but did not stop his censure of Sandalwood, especially the stars, for indifference towards the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes).

“I may not be polished (in my language). I’m not God. I’ll rectify if I’ve done anything wrong. But is BIFFes being held for me? It's for the promotion of films. If invites weren't sent out properly, we'll rectify that. Ultimately, it's their (industry’s) programme,” Shivakumar said.

At the inauguration of BIFFes, Shivakumar lambasted the Kannada film industry, especially the stars, for not attending the event. He also frowned that the industry did not support the Congress' Mekedatu foot march. "We know how to tighten nuts and bolts," he said, pointing out that films cannot be made without government clearances.

On Tuesday, Shivakumar pointed out that he, too, belonged to the film industry. “I named a theatre after Indira Gandhi. I also hold 23 screens in Bengaluru. I have an interest in this industry,” he said.

The government wants to bring the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards to Bengaluru next year, Shivakumar said. “I've held a couple of meetings on this. Sandalwood has grown bigger than Bollywood. It's reaching Hollywood standards, thanks to a few films that have come out. I want them to carry forward this legacy,” he said.

Shivakumar defended himself for criticising film stars for not participating in the Congress’ Mekedatu foot march. Asked if he was right in expecting film artists to support a party event, he said: “There was an event in Hubballi for the Mahadayi project. Which party took leadership for that? Why did film people go there? How did Dr Rajkumar participate in events cutting across party lines? The Mekedatu foot march was to seek water for Bengaluru; it wasn’t for me,” he said, adding: “Don’t I know who has what political connections?”