Filmmaker Prakash Jha (centre) addresses a news meet on his documentary, Sunehare Dastaan... Bihar ki Bhoomi Se, in Patna on Friday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Buddha, Ashoka, Sher Shah Suri… all except chief minister Nitish Kumar found a mention in Prakash Jha’s 45-minute-long documentary on Bihar glory.

The short film — Sunehare Dastaan... Bihar ki Bhoomi Se — screened for special visitors at Cinepolis on Thursday got a thumbs up from most spectators except for tourism minister Sunil Kumar ‘Pintu’ who wanted “a mention of the development work carried out by Nitish in the past six years”.

Pintu minced no words in expressing his disappointment. “No doubt, the documentary is good but I feel it could have been better if you (Prakash Jha) had mentioned something about the past six years (Nitish’s regime). There is nothing about the development of Bihar under the leadership of our chief minister. I think you should have extended the running time of the film after adding that portion too,” said Pintu.

Prakash Jha, the director of the film, had a ready answer for the minister. “You are right. I wanted to add his (Nitish) portion too but the chief minister only asked me not to focus on his achievements. He asked me to cover only the rich heritage and culture of the state in my documentary. Whatever he (Nitish) has done for the state is already visible but I would surely accept your suggestion and try to incorporate it in my film,” said Prakash.

The documentary, produced by Alankrita Shrivastava, associate producer of Bollywood film Raajneeti, focused mostly on Gandhi’s Satyagraha, Chandragupta’s empire, Ashoka’s dharma policy, Sher Shah Suri’s administration, Buddhist philosophy, Jain beliefs and Sufi shrines.

Famous artist Subodh Gupta was among the spectators who appreciated the documentary and congratulated the director.

The political leaders, however, decided to skip the documentary part and instead showered their praises on the artist for his exceptional work and achievements.

JD(U) national spokesperson Shivanand Tiwari said: “We are privileged that Subodh has come here to watch the documentary. He is a famous artist and his artworks sell in crores.”

Art, cultural and youth affairs minister Sukhda Pandey could not hide her excitement on meeting Gupta for the first time. “Subodhji let me introduce myself. I am Sukhda Pandey, the culture minister of this state. It is my honour to meet you. I have heard your name and this is the first time that I am getting the opportunity to meet you. I have been trying to contact you for long,” said Sukhda.

Gupta accepted the compliment with a warm smile. “Chaliye aab hum aapko mil gaye (Now you have met me),” he told the minister.