Promotion to change image

Deepa Krishna Production and Sunny Worldwide Films organised a news meet in Patna on Monday to promote Murari-The Mad Gentleman, a small-budget film.

The film, starring Asrani, Sanjay Singh and Natalya Llina (from Kazakhstan) in leading roles, released on March 11.

Screenwriter and actor Sagar Jha said the story revolves around comical situations that arise in the life of a special person and how he causes chaos in other people's lives. Based in Phulparas in Madhubani district, the film tackles the subject of superstition in the state's rural areas.

Jha, who enacts the villain's role in Murari, said: "This is our effort to change Bihar's image by celebrating its culture. Sixty per cent of our cast and crew, including the art director and costume designer, is from Bihar. This is a small-budget movie that tries to find a solution to the evils in society."

Women's issues

Non-government organisation Aashray Abhiyan conducted a workshop on women's issues on Monday. Close to 250 women from Chitkohra, Gai Ghat, Kaushal Nagar and Sahgaddi areas in the city attended the workshop and shared their problems.

Sahgaddi resident Snavi recalled how she took shelter with the organisation after being cheated by her spouse and deserted by her family. "I was disturbed after that incident but the women at the organisation were very supportive," said Snavi. "They sheltered me and gave me hope to restart my life."

The Aashray Abhiyan members presented a group song on women empowerment. Secretary Dorothy Fernandes said it was absolutely essential for women to raise their voice against misconduct of any kind, and bring the perpetrators to book.