Not films, basic infra should be a priority: Remo
PTI, PANAJI | 10 August 2010 23:26 IST
Noted music composer and singer Remo Fernandes, who is expected to walk the red carpet for the next edition of IFFI in Goa, feels that basic infrastructure and facilities should take precedence over hosting of film festival in the state.
"What should be the priority for Goa is, proper health and educational infrastructure. If we are spending Rs120 crore for the film festival, then an equal amount should be spent on facilities like health and education in the state.
You cannot have posh INOX (multiplexes) on one side and blood-stained bedsheets in hospitals on the other," he told reporters here.
The veteran musician was speaking to media persons on the announcement of a Konkani film O Maria, for which he has composed songs.
This is the first time that the Goa-based singer, who shot to fame withHumma Humma in Mani Ratnam's Bombay is lending music for a Konkani movie.
Director Rajendra Talak said the film will be ready before IFFI 2010 and efforts are on to premier it during the festival held in November-December.
In 2004, when the festival began in Goa, Remo had voiced his concern over the expenditure on film infrastructure in the backdrop of poor basic facilities in the state.
"When I spoke in 2004, everybody misunderstood me. My objection was not for the film festival. I wanted that the state government should spend equal money on basic facilities," he asserted.
"Nothing has changed in Goa after that. There are always powerful people exploiting smaller people," he alleged asking "why I alone should be talking about this? What are you (media) doing ?."
It is good, Remo it's a start after a gap to have Konkani films, in whatever category they may be. Basic needs are health care, education and jobs in any society.
Yea, people should come out more and more rather than nbe silent spectators
I admire your guts too Remo and and good deeds for the sake of all Goans, We are proud to have a brave son like You. All the very best. and keep up the Good work - Manuel
Long ago Remo highlighted the issue of how Goa would get destroyed. GOA- GOING- GONE
I salute you Remo bab! You are a true goan. You have guts! You have been trying to wake up the Susegado goan from the last decades now! I am trying to follow your foothpaths. Wish every goan could do so! Together we could restore back Goa's glory as a land of peace, harmony & absolute security.
fernandesf@net2000.ch
i respect you for this.thr are people like you and me somewhr seating at the corner and saying same thing wht u said few yrs back..thr is so much tht needs to be changed.iifi was meant to take goa on a different platform..but i can see goa only loosing its identity each and every year..if media and we ppl stand togethr thn surely can do somethng....