Mithun skips IFFI

Mithun Chakraborty had decided to lend his support to the cause of cine employees and not attend the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

The yesteryear actor was to make his presence felt for the premiere of Samir Chanda's Bengali venture Ekti Nadir Golpo (A River's Story) that has the actor in the lead.

However, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) boycotting the film festival, Mithun Chakraborty decided not to attend it too.

Confirming the news Mithun said, “I can understand that the presence of glamorous stars is important so that the festival is talked and written about. But at the same time you cannot ignore the contribution of technicians and workers towards the making of a film.

I have always been concerned about their cause and will continue to support them.”

Mithun said that ever since he became aware of the problems faced by workers in the industry, he took on the responsibility of being their guardian.

“I have been the chairman of the Allied Mazdoor Union for the last 14 years. During this tenure I realised that these labourers who worked so hard on the sets had nobody whom they could share their problems with.

Today they know that they have someone who will listen to them.”

Mithun said that in the last 14 years, the union has established a strong foundation. “I can proudly say that the union has Rs 15 crore saved in the bank.

Lightmen, spotboys and technicians deserve their due, let's give it to them. I wanted to be there with Samir Chanda for the premiere of my film. But I do want to make my point felt too, so I skipped the Festival.”

Source: mumbaimirror.com