Mahesh Bhatt takes up cause of Muslim youth in new play

New Delhi: After the success of `Last Salute`, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is returning to stage to highlight the cause of prejudices against Muslim youth in the country.

Bhatt has teamed up with Sandiip Kapoor of Promodome films to stage `Trial of Error`, which deals with the trust deficit among the Indian Muslim and the issue of agencies` role regarding involvement of Muslim youth in terrorism. "We condemn and oppose the agencies` habit of jumping to conclusions that certain Muslim groups might be involved in terror acts after every blast," said the 64-year-old filmmaker, who is going to be the play`s narrator. The success of `Last Salute`, based on the shoe-throwing incident involving former US President George Bush, prompted Bhatt to bring to stage another social issue. "If I have made Jism and Murder, then I have also made Saraansh, Arth and Zakhm. I have oscillated between two extremes," he said. `Trial of Error`, directed by National award-winning playwright Waryam Mast, looks at the problem of Muslim youth being branded terrorists and the trauma they face while fighting for justice. Delhi-based actor Imran Zahid will play the lead role of a journalist on the lookout for the truth behind the prejudice. The play shows him being ultimately embroiled in a vicious circle where he struggles to prove his innocence against the system that labels him a terrorist. "There are many case studies on the internet as well as TV and newspaper reports which have helped me prepare for my role. It investigates why innocent Muslim young men are branded terrorists and how fundamentalists take advantage of that," Imran told PTI. Having essayed the role of journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi in `Last Salute`, Imran said performing on stage gives him a chance to polish himself as an actor. "Bhaat saab is my mentor and he says performing on stage will help me polish myself. Also theatre lets you explore those subjects which cannot be adapted to celluloid because making films is an expensive affair," said Imran. Rehearsals for the play have already begun and it will be staged in Delhi on March 29, before travelling to cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Hyderabad. PTI