PUNE: The celluloid image of this century's most celebrated and controversial guru, Osho induces instant laughter and cheerful spirits in the swank pyramid shaped Osho auditorium. The occasion: Osho Film Festival 2004.
Hundreds of maroon-robed Osho disciples laughed and cried in a joyous frenzy while watching the inaugural film Moments with Osho during the much-awaited festival organised by the Osho Commune International from January 3-18.
In a span of 15 days, the ongoing festival will screen approximately 14 films on Osho, ranging from 25 minutes to an hour giving an honest glimpse into the public and private life of the 'Master'.
Says sanyasin Lolita from US, who has been associated with the commune (Rajneesh ashram) since 1977, "The selected films and footage had to be short-listed from an archival collection of more than 5,000 Osho films. As a result, every film capture the "master" in his perfect element."
As seen through the films and footage, there were hundreds of Indians who stood by him when he delivered his first controversial discourse, Sambhog se Samadhi Tak (From Sex to Superconsciousness) at Gowalia Tank, Mumbai, in the 1960s.
With a penchant of courting controversies, Osho which means 'Nothing' in Japanese was also dubbed as a "sex guru" by the media as he delivered discourses, new meditation techniques and criticised traditional religions.
