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Bollywood's first AIDS movie Ek Pal wins praise
Determined health worker Karamjeet Ballaghan's efforts result in a high-profile Birmingham premiere
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The first Bollywood movie to tackle the Aids issue saw its world premiere at Birmingham last month.
The force behind this project is Karamjeet Ballagan, a coordinator for HIV and sexual health for south Asian communities in Birmingham. When Ballagan first suggested the idea four years ago, managers at the Birmingham health authority dismissed the idea as contentious and divisive.
Ballagan was undeterred and, with the help of former health worker and colleague Rod Dungate, sketched out the storyline for a drama. Earlier this year, they managed to persuade the Heart of Birmingham community health trust to back the production of Ek Pal with £20,000. Quotes to produce the film in Britain topped £70,000.
Filmed in Mumbai Ek Pal, made in Hindi and Bengali, stars Rajesh Sabarwal, Kirti Sharma and Ashok Bartia. Sanjay, a respected businessman is married with two children. He falls in love with Komal, who is engaged to an accountant living in England. Their affair comes to an end as her wedding day approaches.
Shortly after breaking off with Komal, Sanjay discovers he is HIV positive. He realises it is the result of a casual affair a few years ago. Racked with guilt and shame, he deserts his family. However, he fails to tell Komal, who is carrying his child.
When Komal finds out, she is convinced she has been infected and that her unborn child too is at risk. She commits suicide.
The film ends on a high moralistic note with the community leader recognising that pride, prejudice and ignorance drove Komal to death and that society has to embrace and care for those who have the virus. Sanjay comes to terms with his "one moment of regret" and returns to his family and friends for support.
The film was appreciated at the high-profile Birmingham premiere attended by Asian community and religious leaders like the representatives of the council of Sikh Gurdwaras, the Bangladeshi Council for Birmingham and the Punjab cultural centre. It will now be shown at community centres and announcements will be made at the mosques, temples and gurdwaras, informing people about the movie.
Ballagan is now planning to distribute the film to Asian television stations worldwide. Negotiations are under way to broadcast the film on one of the mainstream channels in Britain.