New Delhi, April 2
BJP MP Hema Malini has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, expressing concern over what she described as a “growing atmosphere of cultural fascism” in West Bengal and raising issues related to the freedom of artistes in the state.
In her letter dated March 28, which has now surfaced, Hema Malini said she was writing with a deep sense of anguish, concern, and helplessness.
"I write to you with a deep sense of anguish, concern and a feeling of helplessness.These words are not merely those of a Member of Parliament, but also as someone who has devoted her entire life to the preservation, promotion and practice of India's rich cultural heritage, particularly classical dance. This has been my passion since I was a child and with the grace of God, I have got numerous opportunities to pursue this passion over the years. For me, culture has always been a sacred duty, a means to uphold our civilisational ethos and a bridge that connects people," Hema Malini said.
She stated in the letter that it was deeply distressing to witness what she termed a growing atmosphere of cultural fascism in West Bengal.
"It is therefore deeply distressing to witness what can only be described as a growing atmosphere of cultural fascism in West Bengal. This is most ironical because West Bengal is a state that has historically stood as a beacon of art, literature and refined cultural expression. Kolkata, in particular, has long been synonymous with intellectual depth and artistic excellence. I have always found the people of West Bengal and Kolkata to have demonstrated a profound appreciation for culture. However, the developments of recent years have caused immense pain to artists and cultural practitioners across the country," Hema Malini added.
Citing specific instances, Hema Malini said that on March 15, a scheduled performance of a Draupadi dance drama at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata was abruptly cancelled at the last minute.
"I would like to place on record a few recent instances. On March 15, we were scheduled to participate in a Draupadi Dance Drama at the prestigious Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. The performance was abruptly cancelled at the last minute, with shifting and inconsistent reasons cited, including logistical issues and references to an Election Commission press conference," she said.
She further mentioned that permission to use Science City Hall was denied on the grounds that the Prime Minister was in the city and had programmes at the venue.
"Similarly, permission to use Science City Hall was denied on the grounds that the Honourable Prime Minister was in the city and has programmes at the venue. This, despite the fact that no programme of his was scheduled at Science City. His engagement was elsewhere and unrelated to the venue in question. Having organised Prime Ministerial visits in my constituency, I am aware that these visits can never disrupt other programmes, more so those that are not close to the venue of the programme," she added.
Hema Malini also alleged that these were not isolated incidents.
"What is most tragic is that these are not isolated incidents. Over the years, there has been a consistent pattern in West Bengal. Permissions for cultural events are either delayed or denied, often at the eleventh hour, creating uncertainty and disruption for artists and organisers," Hema Malini said.
Raising concerns about safety, she added that over the past eight to nine years, performing in West Bengal has increasingly become a matter of apprehension due to inadequate security assurances.
"Equally concerning is the issue of safety and security. Over the past eight to nine years, performing in West Bengal has increasingly become a matter of apprehension, with inadequate assurances of safety protection," she claimed.
She said this not only affects artistes but also impacts the livelihoods of many performers who depend on such opportunities for sustenance.
"For me and those performing. This not only affects artistes but also severely impacts the livelihoods of numerous performers, many of whom come from humble backgrounds and depend on such opportunities for sustenance. This environment is both unfortunate and unacceptable," Hema Malini added.
Highlighting her experience, she said she has performed across India for decades and that her programmes are entirely cultural and non-political in nature. She added that leaders across party lines have attended her events and appreciated them.
"I have had the privilege of performing across India for decades. These programmes are entirely cultural in nature. They are non-political and intended solely to celebrate our shared heritage. Culture, by its very essence, must unite us. In several of my programmes, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, MPs and MLAs across party lines have come. Their words of appreciation have only inspired us all to do even better. If I, as a five-time Member of Parliament, feel a sense of insecurity and helplessness in such circumstances, one can only imagine the plight of countless other artistes," she added.
She urged that cultural spaces should be kept free from political considerations, adding that while political differences may exist, preserving and celebrating the country’s cultural heritage must remain a shared priority.
"I earnestly urge that cultural spaces be kept free from political considerations. We may contest vigorously in the electoral arena, but we must rise above differences when it comes to preserving and celebrating our collective cultural inheritance," she said.
