In the wake of the recent MNS controversy over Pakistani actors and the subsequent IMPPA ban, we learnt that the security cover in Filmcity, Goregaon has been beefed up. So while the city was set to groove to the dandia beats, I went there on a gloomy Saturday evening to figure out what was transpiring.
As I approached the main gate, I could sense that the security had indeed increased. The guard at the gate enquired about the purpose of my visit and it was only after I showed them my press ID did they let me in. This happened at 3 different checkpoints. Usually you aren’t questioned repeatedly when you go to interview celebs or cover events.
I asked the guard at the third checkpoint to tell me if the security has been hightened. He (the guard’s name has been withheld on request) responded, “Over last 3 days we have increased the security as seniors have got some orders from the cops to do so. In fact, at every checkpoint we have got 2 extra guards. We aren’t letting anyone inside the premises unless they have a press ID, or crew batches that have been issued by the management.”
But there are many people who visit Filmcity as part of Mumbai darshan. “Yes, so now when buses that ply people who are keen on visiting Filmcity, are checked thoroughly and we don’t allow foreigners. Even junior artistes and dancers who come from abroad, who don’t have a letter from the production units or Ids, aren’t let in,” he added. “A couple of days ago some Pakistani students had come visiting but due to lack of IDs and permissions, they too were sent back. In the past also we have received threats. Since so many people are working here, we can’t take things lightly anymore,” he further said.
When I asked if the change in security arrangements was due to the recent Uri attacks or MNS-Pakistani actors controversy, he said, “ The change in security arrangements happened in the last 3-4 days, so MNS-Pakistani actors controversy could be the cause.”
Journalists rely on evidence of some kind, thus I tried taking a picture of the beefed up security. But the moment I began doing so, two guards sprang up from nowhere and stopped me. They asked me to leave immediately. On questioning them, they simply said that clicking snaps is not allowed anymore as per the new security diktat.
After that I sat in the car, but not before thanking the guard who was kind enough to share about the amped up security. On my way back, I pondered as to why do we need reasons and threats to beef up security. Haven’t we all been through enough? Haven’t we learnt anything from 11/7 or 26/11?
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