Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, July 6: The biography of Padma Shri Chhutni Mahto, who was a victim of being dubbed a witch and heretic and then taking up arms against such ill-beliefs especially in rural areas made her a crusader against superstition and superstitious beliefs. Chhutni Mahto’s emergence from the darkness of being evicted from her house with her children and banished from the village made her take refuge under a tree. Later, by dint of her determination and courage, she gradually shifted from the dark zone towards light. She took up cudgels to fight against superstition and superstitious beliefs and became a crusader for women who had suffered similar plights of torture and accusations of being witches and heretics. Many women joined her ranks and gradually, Chhutni Mahto became the voice of women against superstition. Her reputation spread like wildfire and her deeds were noticed and applauded. She was honoured with the fourth highest national award, the Padma Shri. Chhutni Mahto continues to remain the hope for women in distrewss and her voice is now heard by the highest offices.
The biopic on the life of Chhutni Mahto comes as no surprise. CL Prasad, the producer-director of the Village Talkies Production House announced the making of a web series and later a feature film on the life and mission of Chhutni Mahto during a media conference organized in Golmuri. Prasad said that after coming to know of Chhutni Mahto’s crusade against superstition and the miseries and obstacles she had to encounter, he decided that it was an apt subject for making a film and spreading her reputation and mission to the world through a film. Prasad said, “Initially, we will make a web series on the biography of Padma Shri Chhutni Mahto. After this, we have plans to publish a book on her followed by a biographical feature film. The film will be made in Hindi and English.’
Prasad informed that the film would be shot in various locations of Jharkhand. The script was being written and selection of artistes was on. Bollywood actors will also perform in the project. Prasad stated, “The film shoot will entail three months. The film will start rolling after two months.”
Chhutni Mahto, Ranganath, Ajit Mishra, Hemraj and others were also present during the press meet.
