Kundapur: Charlie Chaplin Statue to Move Away from Ottinene
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Mar 14: The dreams of Kannada film director Hemant Hegde to erect a 67-feet-high statue of renowned artiste Charlie Chaplin, claimed to be the biggest ever statue of the comedian, near Someshwar temple in Ottinene near here, is facing bitter opposition from the Hindu activists. The activists say that erection of the statue of a Christian at the scenic place, located on the border of Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts is not desireable.
Hemant wanted to build the statue for his upcoming movie, 'House Full'. The film unit had earlier planned to put up the statue at a spot near here, but could not get the required permission as it falls under the forest department. Later, it selected a place, about 300 yards away from Lord Someshwar temple near the coastline. The team had also conducted the customary 'Guddali Puje' for starting the work. Director Hemant, art director Chetan Mundadi and journalist Janardan Maravante had attended the Puja programme.
Hemant said that on the very next day of holding the above programme, some youngsters approached him and registered their opposition to the project. "We spoke to the local panchayat and other leaders and decided to go ahead with the project," he said. He stated, that nearly 20 activists claiming to be affiliated to Hindu Jagran Vedike led by Suresh Bhagwadi came to the site on Friday March 13 in vehicles and stopped the work. "They were prepared to allow us to proceed with the erection of the statue subject to the condition that it would be demolished after the filming. When art director Mundadi clarified that Chaplin was a great artiste, they said they suspect us to build a statue of Jesus Christ too, later," he explained. Hegde said that the protestors explained to them that they do not like to see Chaplin's face before entering Someshwar temple and that they doubt, the spot will transform into a picnic spot, disturbing the holy atmosphere of the temple. They also scattered the construction materials and forced the unit to fill up the eight feet deep pit dug for the purpose, he said. "The protestors said they would demolish the statue even if it is built with sanction from authorities and asked us to build the statue of Swami Vivekananda instead," he stated.
Udupi deputy commissioner Hemalata said that only oral permission had been given to install the statue on the location. “The process of giving written permission is under way,” she added. As the erection of the statue may flout the Coastal Regulatory Zone rules, the relevant details will have to be examined thoroughly, she said.
Mundadi said, that the team has now decided to move out of Udupi district and set up the statue elsewhere, probably in Bangalore.