Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Politician-filmmaker Kush Bhargava says his film “Monica”, which is releasing Friday, has nothing to do with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and that it was completed much before she came into the public eye.

“This movie was made more than a year ago when her (Niira Radia) name was known to very few people and she was not a public figure. So from my side it is a categorical denial that ‘Monica’ has anything to do with Niira Radia,” Bhargava told IANS on the phone from Mumbai.

“In fact, it is not the story of anyone dead or alive. It is inspired by many stories like Shivani (Shivani Bhatnagar was an Indian Express journalist killed in 1999) and Madhumita Shukla (Lucknow based poetess who was also killed).

“I have been asked this question at press meets before the release of the film whether it has anything to do with 2G or 3G scam? And I have categorically denied this. Plus, the protagonist Monica dies in the film,” said the Lucknow-based Congress leader adding: “Of course, the film is releasing on Friday.”

Inspired by ambitious women, the film has Divya Dutta in the main lead. Yashpal Sharma and Kittu Gidwani will also be seen in it.

Niira Radia, linked to the spectrum scam, Thursday urged the Delhi High Court to stay the release of “Monica” that she said depicted her life in a scandalous manner.

Justice V.K. Jain issued notice to Bhargava asking him to file a copy of the film script or a CD by March 30, the next date of hearing.

Asked about the notice, Bhargava said: “I have no knowledge whatsoever of any petition of this sort. I have not received any notice from the honourable court.”

He also clarified that the title of the film is “Monica” adding: “The words ‘The politics of murder’ are just being used for publicity on posters.”

This is Bhargava’s first feature film. Earlier he made a telefilm “Kasak” with Deepti Naval.

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