IIT-B cancels Mahmood Farooqui show

MUMBAI: A performance by writer-director Mahmood Farooqui at IIT-B ombay was cancelled last muinute after some students and staff opposed it in a letter written to the administration. Farooqui, a pioneer in reviving Dastangoi , a medieval form of storytelling, was to perform as part of a festival organised by IIT-B's Indian Languages Club Saturday evening.

The students claimed that Farooqui was previously convicted in a sexual assault case. Although he was acquitted, the acquittal sparked a debate regarding standards of consent and impact of power dynamics.

"The show has earned applause because of its inclusive message. I am shocked that IIT-B capitulated to pressure from a group I had never heard about," claimed Farooqui."