Anusha Rizvi publicity hungry, allege `Peepli Live` actors

New Delhi: Raghubir Yadav and other actors of ‘Peepli Live’ have come out in support of their producer Aamir Khan saying director Anusha Rizvi was trying to earn publicity by dragging the movie about farmer suicides in controversy.

Rizvi, who wrote and directed the film with her husband Mehmood Farooqui as co-director, said they decided to recuse themselves from the movie after "differences" with Aamir over credits. But the actors of the movie have supported Aamir, saying Rizvi is trying to gain publicity. "Whatever Rizvi is doing is only for publicity. The initial budget of the film was Rs two crore but Aamir increased it up to Rs 10 crore. He also took the initiative to showcase the movie in Berlin and Sundance film festivals," veteran actor Raghubir Yadav said. Yadav played the role of Budhia, the protagonist`s brother, in the movie, which had a host of theatre actors. Yadav also gave voice to the famous `Mehngai dayain` track in the movie. Rizvi had reportedly said that Aamir trimmed the length of the song against her wishes. "The controversy over the length of the song is illogical because it was difficult to fit it into the movie but Aamir decided to keep it in the movie despite the problems in editing," Yadav said. Actor Sitaram Panchal, who played the role of local politician Bhai Thakur in the movie, too has supported Aamir on the controversy, saying Rizvi is reacting like this because her ego has been hurt. "The whole controversy is a non-issue. Her ego is hurt because it is Aamir`s name which is coming in the media. With the controversy she wants her share of limelight," Panchal said. Nowaz, who portrayed the character of a TV journalist, said, "I am very much surprised with her attitude because Aamir was professional at every level. He never interfered in the execution of the film but lent his help whenever he thought it was important for the betterment of the film." Rizvi had alleged that worthy people did not get credit for the film`s success, which is now being touted as Aamir`s movie. The director could not be reached despite repeated attempts to contact her. PTI