Remo does a Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has a run-in with media

PANAJI - Noted musician and singer Remo Fernandes did a Vidhu Vinod Chopra at a press conference in Panaji Tuesday, when the Padma Shri awardee flew off the handle and rudely told reporters that he “did not care” about which of his songs they liked or they did not.

Remo’s outburst came during a press conference held at a city hotel to announce the launch of a new Konkani film “O Maria”, for which the popular musician has composed music and sung a few tracks.

After playing three tracks at the press conference, Remo, who had earlier been questioned by reporters for his alleged turnaround on his statements vis-a-vis several social issues, was riled when the producer of the film Rajendra Talak asked the media to comment on Remo’s songs.

Snatching the mike from the producer’s hands, Remo said: “I don’t want you to answer that question. It is nobody’s business but mine. I don’t care which songs you like or you don’t like.”

Earlier, when Remo was questioned by the media about his sudden change of heart towards the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) — the musician had vehemently opposed IFFI when it was first shifted to Goa permanently in 2004 but later changed his stand — he said he opposed the IFFI as he felt that a film festival should not be a priority for any government, when sectors like health and education were in an utter state of neglect.

“Patients are being given bloodstained bedsheets in hospitals. First, we should take care of our children’s health, education and then give them movie tickets,” Remo said.

When reporters probed him further asking him categorically to explain his change of heart towards IFFI, Remo blamed the media for being spineless and ignoring social ills.

“Why should only I speak up? Other individuals should do it too. The media should also take up these issues,” Remo said.

Remo’s outburst against the media, was similar to that of “3 Idiots” producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who during one of the film’s promotion events in January, asked a reporter to “shut up” after the latter asked if “3 Idiots” was lifted from author Chetan Bhagat’s book “Five Point Someone”.

While Remo is best known throughout India for several foot-tapping Bollywood numbers, he is a cult figure in Goa. He first rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s by lending his music and songs to several popular movements which dealt with social issues like making Konkani Goa’s official language.