The much-hyped premiere of Madhuri Dixit starrer, Dedh Ishqiya, at the Wave multiplex here on Friday was cancelled at the last moment. Sources claimed the show was cancelled following the controversy over the “Saifai Mahotsav” juxtaposed with the plight of the displaced riot victims in Muzaffarnagar. Ms. Dixit had performed on the last day of the event on Wednesday.
The film’s premiere at 3 p.m. was to be attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav with some reports claiming that Ms. Dixit would also be present.
Mr. Yadav held a press conference at his residence where he confirmed that the film’s premiere had been cancelled.
Mr. Yadav said he wanted to promote the culture and etiquette of Lucknow, its cuisine and Urdu language. “Some TV channels were against the tehzeeb (culture) of Lucknow and Urdu, which is not in the country’s interest,” he said. Mr. Yadav said he wanted tourism to prosper.
