TOI: Sampat Pal upset with Gulab Gang makers

Known for her fight for women's rights, 'Bigg Boss' show contestant Sampat Pal is upset that the makers of Madhuri Dixit starrer 'Gulab Gang' have not sought her permission to make the film.

It was reported that the film 'Gulab Gang' was based on Pal, who heads a women's group (called Gulabi Gang) in Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region and takes up the cause of women facing violence, domestic and social problems.

"I will not let the film to be released before my permission," Pal told , before entering the 'Bigg Boss' house.

"I feel she (Madhuri) should meet me once before the shooting begins. It is not that I will not give permission to make a film based on me. I feel that if she has not seen or met me in real life, how can she portray the role on screen with justice," she said.

The film has been written and will be directed by Soumik Sen and is produced by Anubhav Sinhaof 'Ra.One' fame.

"I came to know that a film called 'Gulab Gang' is being made and will be based on my life and my organisations' work. They have not met me, nor did they seek my permission," Pal said.

Reportedly, director Soumik Sen had earlier said that the film is not based on Sampat Pal. However, he had agreed that he was aware of her work and had watched her documentaries. But according to him, his film is based on a newspaper report that spoke of women doing good work.

The film is slated to go on floors this month and will be released on March 8 2013, on the International Women's Day.

Meanwhile, Pal said that she was a little hesitant in participating in 'Bigg Boss'.

"When they had approached me for 'Bigg Boss', I was clueless about it. I told them I can't do it as I don't understand all these things. I like to be in my village and work for the poor-needy people...later I agreed to do it after they took me in confidence," she said.

"I feel my message will reach out to more people through this show. I would like to highlight issues like female infanticide, child marriage and dowry. Girls should be given education, treat boys and girls equally, I would like to promote this message," she said.