Mumbai, Feb 09: The owner of Filmfare magazine Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd has decided to discontinue the sponsorship of Dhariwal Industries Ltd for the annual Filmfare
Awards this year.
The step has been taken in view of the Interpol issuing red corner notices to Rasiklal Manikchand Dhariwal, owner of the Manikchand brand gutkha, for his alleged underworld links, The Times Group said here today.
The Times Group said it has been hosting Filmfare Awards since last 50 years and it has been sponsored by Dhariwal Industries Ltd since 1999 under the title `Manikchand Filmfare Awards`.
"This year also we would have continued with this association but for the circumstances causing deep concern to us," the group said.
Dhariwal is wanted by Mumbai Police under Mcoca for his alleged underworld links and a local court has issued non-bailable warrant against him.
"The Times Group said, "Filmfare is a magazine of great repute and so are the Filmfare Awards. We believe that this association of Filmfare Awards with Manikchand as its sponsors would tarnish the clean image of Filmfare and the Times Group," the group announced.
Bureau Report
