2017, Gillian Anderson: Nehru's love for Lady Mountbatten not included in new film amid fear it would offend Indians
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...ilm-amid-fear/
The reputed love affair between Edwina Mountbatten and Jawaharlal Nehru could not be included in a new film about Partition because it would upset the Indian government, according to Gillian Anderson.
The actress stars as Lady Mountbatten in Viceroy’s House, a sumptuous period drama set during the last days of the Raj and directed by Gurinder Chadha.
Critics have noted that the film omits mention of the relationship between the Vicereine and India’s first Prime Minister, although exchanged glances hint at an attachment.
Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live’s film review programme, Anderson was asked if the storyline was left out for reasons of space. She replied: “I’m not sure if we would have been allowed to film in India if we told that story.”
Pushed on whether she had wanted to tell the story, Anderson said: “That’s a question for Gurinder.”
More than 50 years after his death, Nehru’s private life remains a subject of great sensitivity to the authorities in India. The Nehru-Gandhi dynasty has dominated Indian politics since Partition.
A planned film about his relationship with Lady Mountbatten, Indian Summer, was shelved in 2009 when the government said it could be filmed in India only if scenes showing the couple kissing, dancing and sharing a bed be deleted. The film was due to star Cate Blanchett.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...ilm-amid-fear/
The reputed love affair between Edwina Mountbatten and Jawaharlal Nehru could not be included in a new film about Partition because it would upset the Indian government, according to Gillian Anderson.
The actress stars as Lady Mountbatten in Viceroy’s House, a sumptuous period drama set during the last days of the Raj and directed by Gurinder Chadha.
Critics have noted that the film omits mention of the relationship between the Vicereine and India’s first Prime Minister, although exchanged glances hint at an attachment.
Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live’s film review programme, Anderson was asked if the storyline was left out for reasons of space. She replied: “I’m not sure if we would have been allowed to film in India if we told that story.”
Pushed on whether she had wanted to tell the story, Anderson said: “That’s a question for Gurinder.”
More than 50 years after his death, Nehru’s private life remains a subject of great sensitivity to the authorities in India. The Nehru-Gandhi dynasty has dominated Indian politics since Partition.
A planned film about his relationship with Lady Mountbatten, Indian Summer, was shelved in 2009 when the government said it could be filmed in India only if scenes showing the couple kissing, dancing and sharing a bed be deleted. The film was due to star Cate Blanchett.