International Singing Sensation Charo Calls On Zoya Akhtar To Pull Cruel Running Of The Bulls Scene From Film
Entertainer and PETA Supporter Says That Animal Abuse Has No Place in Legitimate Cinema
Tweet-- After learning from her friends at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India that the upcoming motion picture Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara is set to include a scene showing the Running of the Bulls, a much-criticised Spanish ritual, vivacious and talented Spanish-American singer, actor, comedian and guitarist Charo fired off a letter to the film's director, Zoya Akhtar. The letter urges Akhtar to open her heart and cut out any scenes glorifying the Running of the Bulls.
In the letter, Charo writes, "These animals run because they are terrified. During the run, the bulls are taunted, and many lose their footing, fall and break their bones. In the end, the exhausted bulls are released into the arena and stabbed to death".
"The film world is considered glamorous", says PETA India's chief functionary, Poorva Joshipura, "but there's nothing glamorous about terrifying animals into a frenzy so that they stampede to their deaths in the bullring as part of a blood sport that is fast dying out in Spain".
Charo is beloved in the US and Spain. She is known for wearing frilly, sparkly, provocative outfits and for introducing the phrase "cuchi-cuchi" (often used to mean "kiss-kiss") into the popular vernacular. She is a vocal opponent of bullfighting and recently starred in a video public service announcement for PETA US to speak out against it.
Charo's letter to Zoya Akhtar follows. For more information, please visit PETAIndia.com. Also, please find attached a Hindi version of the release.
Charo's letter to Zoya Akhtar:
Ms. Zoya Akhtar
C/o Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd, 701 Orchid Pride Corner
Off SV Road and Convent Avenue, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400 054
Dear Ms Akhtar,
I have spent my career entertaining people, but there is nothing remotely entertaining about sending panicked bulls into a stampede and then stabbing them to death in the bullfighting arena, which is what happens at the end of the Running of the Bulls. As a proud Spaniard and member of PETA, I am writing to ask that any scenes that glamorise the Running of the Bulls be cut from your upcoming film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
The Running of the Bulls cannot be dismissed as a harmless tradition. These animals run because they are terrified. During the run, the bulls are taunted, and many lose their footing, fall and break their bones. In the end, the exhausted bulls are released into the arena and stabbed to death. The growing movement in Spain against the Running of the Bulls and the bullfights that follow exemplify the good hearts of so many Spaniards who rightfully condemn this sadistic blood sport. You may be aware that the Spanish region of Catalonia recently banned bullfights.
Spain is known for everything I hold dear: flamenco dancing, fabulous guitar work and a rich cultural diversity. But deriving any pleasure from abusing bulls is something we should all be ashamed of and certainly nothing that should be promoted in a feature film.
Yours truly,
Charo