'Bigg Boss' show riles Thackeray cousins

Reacting to the controversy over giving a Maharashtrian name to a contestant entrusted with house-keeping duties on the reality show Bigg Boss, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray called it perverse, while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray sought an apology.

Earlier, Raj, who has espoused the cause of Marathi identity, had objected to stereotyped depiction of Marathi-speakers as servants in films and serials.

Reacting to Bigg Boss issue, Uddhav said in Mumbai that "it is a perverse presentation for publicity. I don't watch the show, and even the people should not watch it."

He reminded that in the previous edition, the show had Pakistani artists. "There is no need to give importance to such shows. Those who watch it will comment," he said.

Talking to reporters elsewhere, his estranged cousin, Raj, sought apology from the Colors channel.

"If the channel is expecting that my workers will go and ransack its office, then I am not going to do that."

But he added a veiled threat. Those who poked fun were not going to stay in the Bigg Boss house forever, and will come out of the house one day, Raj said, adding that he would decide then what "reply" should be given.