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Mumbai, Jan 28: Film shootings at the 441-year-old St Bonaventure Church are scheduled at least twice a month, and go on for two to three days at a time Worshippers at St Bonaventure Church in Malad are angry that their 441-year-old church is rented out for film shootings. When films are shot there, they are not allowed to enter.
Built in 1565, the church is located in Erangal village, Malad, and hosts the annual seaside St Bonaventure feast, which is attended by thousands of devotees.
‘It will spoil the set’
Francis Fernandes, who went to the church with his family a few days after the feast, was not allowed to enter.
“The watchman told us that Jackie Shroff was shooting inside and that we should go back home. When I asked him if we could at least light candles, he refused, saying the candles would spoil the set,” fumed Fernandes.
According to the church’s caretaker, shootings are scheduled at least twice a month, and go on for two to three days at a time. “We don’t allow anyone to enter during shooting,” he said.
Praful Mhatre, a candle seller near the church, said, “The crew blocks the entrance and doesn’t allow anyone to enter. Often, people have gone back without even lighting candles,” he said.
‘Unacceptable’
Dolphy D’Souza, president of the Bombay Catholic Society, said this was unacceptable. “No one can be stopped from entering a place of worship,” he said.
According to him, churches have been issued circulars, telling them in clear terms to adhere to certain norms while letting out their spaces for film shootings.
“Besides, St Bonaventure is a heritage site and one needs permission from the Archaeological Society of India for shooting,” he added.
Devotees can complain
According to Father Malcolm D’Souza, no one can refuse entry to a worshipper.
“I give them permission to shoot films, but entry of devotees may only be restricted while a scene is being shot. After it is over, they should be allowed in,” he said. If people have a problem, they should complain to me, he added.