Us against North Indians? Nahin: Bollywood

MUMBAI: Suniel Shetty was aghast. So was Sajid Khan. Salim Khan, father of Salman, was in a denial mode. The cause of the above mentioned effects was Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) claim that Bollywood biggies, such as Salman and Suniel, had joined forces with the party to drive away “outsiders” from Mumbai.

Shirish Parker, MNS spokesperson, went on record, saying Suniel, Salman, Sohail Khan and veteran scriptwriter Salim Khan had extended their support to MNS. His statement gave the impression that these stars were backing every move by Raj Thackeray, including his drive against the North Indians.

Parker went on to say that the actors had even signed a memorandum in support of Raj. The news, splashed in a section of the press (not DNA), triggered denials and counterclaims from Bollywood.

Suniel said that he had never signed any such memorandum, and would never ever support such a “separatist” thought. “Raj is a friend of mine, but that doesn’t mean I would endorse all his actions. How can I support an anti-immigration petition when I myself am not a native of Mumbai. My dad came here from Mangalore.

“All my trusted aides, who have been with me for long, are from North India. How can I go against them? Yes, I did appreciate MNS for forming a union for cine workers. But then, I would appreciate anybody trying to help cine workers.”

When asked if Salman had signed the petition, Suniel said, “I don’t think so. Why should he do such a thing? Like me, he too has many north Indian attendants.”

Actor Sajid Khan said, “I did sign a memorandum protesting the gag order on Raj Thackeray. I even lauded the party for forming Maharashtra Navnirman Cine Workers’ Association. But it does not mean that I am against the North Indians.”

DNA found out that the memorandum on which MNS had been collecting signatures, stated: “In our democratic country, everybody has the freedom of movement from one state to another. But does no one have the freedom of speech about his/her state, language and culture? If you are against the gag order on Raj Thackeray, pick up the pen and sign...”

Rohan Sawant, an MNS official, said, “We never claimed that actors have supported us on the issue of migrants. They are against the gag order.”

When contacted, Parkar chose to be evasive on the issue. Suniel Shetty may not have signed the petition, but he gave us his verbal support.” When told that Shetty had denied extending any such support, he said, “I have not spoken to him personally. Perhaps, he is waiting to give his official support later.”