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Amitabh Bachchan

Film fraternity indignant at Raj Thackeray's outbursts
05th Feb 2008 09.00 IST
By Agencies

The film fraternity on Monday reacted with shock and indignation to Raj Thackeray's offensive against Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and North Indians warning that "dangerous sentiments" were being whipped up to serve "personal agendas."

Eminent directors and producers hoped that good sense would soon prevail among Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and that they refrain from wanton attacks.

Noted film director Shyam Benegal said he was shocked and disgusted at the latest turn of events in Mumbai and wondered what was the rationale or logic behind raking up a non-issue.

"Indians are Indians everywhere in India, Maharashtra is no exception, it is not a country on its own. Mumbai is not a city on its own," Benegal said.

The Director said it was rather silly to say that Bachchan makes his money in Maharashtra and decides to do things elsewhere in India. The remark came in the light of Raj Thackeray questioning Bachchan's loyalties to Maharashtra.

"That's up to him where he wishes to use his money," Benegal said.

''I feel sad, and I really don't see the purpose of such a statement. I fail to understand why people indulge in the politics of hate,'' Benegal said.

Stating that such acts of violence do not serve any purpose, Benegal said, ''The tragedy is that those who get hurt or die or whose property is damaged because of these actions, are always innocent people.''

In a veiled attack on Raj Thackeray, Mahesh Bhatt said the manner in which political goals were sought to be achieved showed that some leaders are shortsighted and do not have a long-term vision.

"The issue is far bigger than an individual or a particular icon. The issue is Bollywood is part of Mumbai and Mumbai is a part of India.

"What is happening in Mumbai is something dangerous and we need to caution ourselves against," he said.

Bhatt said the MNS chief was trying to put the clock back at a time when the country was marching towards progress.

''It is shocking indeed that when you are dreaming big, you are marching towards becoming a global power, you talk of such tribal culture,'' he said.

Terming the statement to be fraught with dangers, which could have devastating effect, he said that the statement was aimed at whipping the sentiments of the masses.

Two theatres in Thane and Nasik screening Bhojpuri films were attacked on Sunday by MNS activists who also targetted some vendors and taxi drivers belonging to north India in Central Mumbai.

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