Porn star-turned-Bollywood superstar Sunny Leone has finally spoken out about the controversy surrounding her performance in Karnataka’s capital on New Year’s eve. She said she will not perform in Bengaluru, as safety is more important.
The police had announced that permission will not be given to the event, proposed to be held in Manyata Tech Park. Earlier, activists of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Yuva Sene had protested against Ms. Leone’s participation in the New Year’s eve party, even threatening ‘mass suicide’ if she were to perform.
On Tuesday, Leone tweeted: "Since the police of Bengaluru have publicly said that they will not be able to ensure mine, and all who attend, safety for my New Years event, my team and I feel, safety of the people should always come first. Therefore, I cannot attend. God bless and I wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year."
This tweet triggered a massive debate on social media and her countless fans have expressed solidarity with her. They wondered aloud how a progressive government surrendered to the threats of fringe elements and failed to guarantee her safety.
Standup comedian Kunal Kamra responded through a tweet to the Congress, questioning their double standards. "Shameful that you guys criticize law and order in UP but can't even manage an event in Bangalore, Chodo yeh double standards & get your act together on this one."
Writer and blogger Sandip Ghose tweeted that he was proud of Leone's stand. "More power to you. Surprised that a government under the progressive #CongressPresidentRahulGandhi not able to provide security. Stay strong. The youth and the young at heart are with you," he said.
But he was disappointed that the liberal citizens of the city had not issued a statement and organised a march on Brigade Road in support of the actor.
Another Twitter user wondered how the city police could back out from providing security to a performance. "This is the failure of the system in which we live today..moral policing by a bunch of goons.. and shocking that a police machinery of a state cannot ensure security," tweeted another user, Suresh.
A few dubbed the threat to Leone as part of right wing extremism. "If you cannot provide security for such a small event then how would people of Karnataka feel safe?" wondered one user. However, another user, Capt Mohit Kohli termed Leone's decision as a wise move.
"Moreover, an artist should not perform in such an unartistic environment, hampers your spirit. Come to Delhi instead...Please!" he urged her.
In Gaurav Tiwari's views, Karnataka Rajyotsava or New Year's eve can both happen simultaneously. "It must be left for the crowd to decide what they want to attend," he said.
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