'India's Daughter' doesn't defame India: Farhan Akhtar

Mumbai, March 11 (IANS) After veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar voiced his strong opinion in favour of "India's Daughter", his son Farhan Akhtar has come forward to support the controversial documentary, saying filmmaker Leslee Udwin's intent is not to defame India.

The documentary, on the December 16, 2012 gang rape in Delhi, has triggered an uproar over the interview of Mukesh Singh, one of the six rapists of the 23-year-old paramedical student.

Farhan watched the documentary "India's Daughter" at its premiere in the US.

"Watched #IndiasDaughter last night at the U.S. premiere in NYC. Raises some serious questions about the concept of masculinity...The filmmaker's intent is clear. It is not to defame India but use an event that reverberated around the globe as the basis for her study..." Farhan posted on Twitter.

The actor-filmmaker, who himself launched a social campaign MARD (Man Against Racial Discrimination) in 2013 to promote gender equality and women empowerment, added: "The director's focus on the aftermath ie public outrage/protests/amendment of law speaks volumes of our vibrant democracy."

"India's Daughter" documents the brutal assault on a girl who was gang raped by a group of men, including the driver and cleaner, in a moving bus when she was returning home with her male friend. It also features an interview with the victim's parents.