Salman Rushdie’s Kolkata Visit called off

TNI Bureau: Veteran Indian Author Salman Rushdie cancelled his Kolkata trip after some minority organisations opposed his visit. He was about to visit the city for a promotional event of the movie ‘Midnight’s Children’, which is based on his novel.

It was reported that some minority organisations held protests at the Kolkata airport this morning saying they would not allow the author, who is known for free speech. The protests were staged ahead of his visit that forced him to cancel his trip.

The trip was also called off after the PVR Cinenma, which is distributing ‘Midnight’s Children’ could not organise the venue for a press conference for him to promote the film.

The movie directed by Deepa Mehta and other members of the team, who were supposed to particpate at the Kolkata Literary meet, have also cancelled their visit.

Last year, Rushdie was not allowed to attend the Jaipur Literary Festival after protests by some Muslim groups.