ancient Hindu decorative swastika
Protests by India's small Jewish community have caused a leading actor to pull out of a film on the last days of Adolf Hitler, a rare subject for a movie in the Bollywood film industry.
Anupam Kher, who was supposed to play the role of Hitler, told Reuters he had decided to withdraw from the film after an outpouring of messages on social networking sites and protests.
"Considering the ill-will that the project is generating among my fans, I wish to withdraw from it as I respect their sentiments," Kher said in a statement released to Reuters.
"Dear Friend Hitler" aims to give audiences a glimpse into Hitler's insecurities, his charisma, his paranoia and his sheer political genius. However, Hitler was a terrible military leader and the allied forces did not attempt to assassinate him because they though he was more useful to the war effort alive.
Many Indians have a fascination with Hitler and His book, "Mein Kampf, which is banned in most European counties is selling well in India. Students in business school wanting to become successful businessmen are using the Nazi leader's infamous autobiography as a self-help book.
"I have never been moved by commercial considerations, but I have always respected social opinions," Kher said.
India has a small Jewish community of around 5,000 who have migrated to Israel and the West over the years. They said they were outraged by the decision to make a film on Hitler.
"Whoever is making this film is doing so with ignorant, if not more sinister motives. These peoeple are hurting the feelings of a community that has suffered a great deal," Jonathan Solomon, the chairman of the Indian Jewish Federation.
In 2006, a small restaurant in Mumbai was forced to change its name from "Hitler's Cross" to "Cross Cafe" after strong protests.
A year later, the Jewish community staged strong protests, again in Mumbai against a home furnishing maker that named its new line of bedspreads "NAZI" and used the swastika in its promotional brochure.
However, archaeological evidence of swastika-shaped ornaments dates from the Neolithic period in Ancient India.
The film's director said film would not glorify Hitler.
"Those who are protesting against the film have got it wrong," said Rakesh Ranjan Kumar, the director.
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