Gandhiji didn't give back British law degree: Kamal Haasan

November 8, 2015

Chennai, Nov 8: Coming out strongly against those returning their awards over the "intolerance" row, actor Kamal Haasan today wondered if such acts would achieve anything as he invoked Mahatma Gandhi saying even he did not give back his Law degree to protest against the Britishers.

kamalStanding firm in his stance and dismissing accusations of being "irresponsible and callous" for not returning his award, the superstar said the act of returning awards would not lead to a solution.

"Gandhiji stood against the Britishers, his law degree was conferred by the English men, should he have given it back? What are you going to achieve by giving back awards?," Haasan, who turned 61 today, said.

"The honour given to me is not given by the government, it was given by the jury, I will not humiliate them," he said.

"If intolerance is growing, I am giving voice against it, this is that voice, it is suffice if this is done, I say this without any discrimination on party lines, this voice will raise whenever there is suspicion that our freedom will be taken away," he said at a function organised here to celebrate his birthday.

"I will raise voice if a suspicion arises that my right to freedom of speech and that of my friends and brothers will be infringed," said Haasan, who has thrice won the National Award for Best Actor.

There is, however, no need to launch a political party for such a purpose. If such a view was expressed, "people asked if I was coming to politics, it is not required."

On the beef row, the Padma Bhushan-awardee said, "if you do not like beef, don't eat, I was eating it, but now I have decided that I will not eat animals bigger than me," he said, adding, choice of food should be left to the people. "Don't give menu card to others," he said.

"I have been accused of irresponsibility and callousness when I said I will not return my award," he said adding, however, he would raise his voice against intolerance.

Stating that he respected the jury who chose him for the award, he said they were people endowed with intelligence who had thought that he was worthy of the award.

"I salute them and have taken the award. If I have something against the government, there are so many podiums including this one," he told reporters here.

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News Network
April 19,2020

Mumbai, Apr 19: It is important to stay united and have faith in each other to fight the coronavirus pandemic, veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar said on Sunday, expressing concerns over the attack on healthcare workers and cases of communal tension in the country.

In a video shared by Akhtar's wife, veteran actor Shabana Azmi on Twitter, the writer urged people to stand together in this time of crisis.

"The country is undergoing a crisis at this point of time. To fight this crisis called coronavirus, it is important for us to be united. If we will keep suspecting each other or won't understand each other's intentions, there will be no unity, then how will we fight it?

"You must salute these doctors who are endangering their lives to test you. Unless you get tested, you will not know whether you have the disease or not. You can be treated only after that. It's a matter of stupidity that, I've heard, people are pelting stones on those doctors. This should not be done," Akhtar said in the 2 minute-long clip.

The 75-year-old lyricist also said that targeting a particular community defeats the goal of unity.

"I also hear that shops of a particular community are being shut, 'thelas' are being overturned or people are hit so that they can flee. This is not how unity works. We will have to believe each other. We all are citizens of this country," he said.

Akhtar appealed to the Muslim community to offer prayers from home in the holy month of Ramzan, which will begin from April 24 or April 25.

"I request all the Muslim brothers that now that Ramzan is coming, please say your prayers but make sure that this doesn't cause problems to anyone else. The prayers that you do in the mosque, you can do that at home. According to you, the house, the ground, this all has been made by Him. Then you can do your prayers anywhere," he said.

"Ensure that your speech, slogans and deeds don't create any suspicion in the minds of others. And to all the other citizens of the country, I'd say please have faith in each other, practice unity, don't resort to hatred. Only with the help of love and trust, we will be able to fight with the coronavirus," he added.

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News Network
June 10,2020

Mumbai, Jun 10: Bollywood actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Varun Sharma's former manager Disha Salian reportedly committed suicide by jumping off the 14th floor of her apartment in Malad on June 8 night.

Varun Sharma mourned the demise on Instagram, sharing a photo with his former manager and friend.

"Am at a loss of words. Speechless. Numb. It all looks unreal. So many memories. Such a lovely person and a dear friend. You always wore that smile everyday, and with such kindness you dealt with everything that came your way. You will be deeply missed. Prayers and Strength to the Family. I still can't believe Disha you're gone. Gone too Soon," wrote Varun.

The young celebrity manager was reportedly with her fiance when she took the drastic step on June 8 night. She was declared dead on being rushed to a hospital in Borivali.

The police have started an investigation. As per reports, they have recorded the statement of the deceased's parents. Her fiance might also be asked for a statement.

Apart from Sushant Singh Rajput and Varun Sharma, Disha has managed comedian Bharti Singh in the past.

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News Network
July 2,2020

Mumbai, Jul 2: The Mumbai police have summoned noted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for questioning in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case. According to several reports, casting director Shanoo Sharma too might be questioned in connection with the star’s death.

Reports also state that Kangana Ranaut and Shekhar Kapur, who are not directly involved with the investigation, are likely to be asked to record their statements.

The development comes days after the cops had asked for the details of SSR’s contract with Yashraj Films. The MS Dhoni actor had starred in Shuddh Desi Romance and Detective Byomkesh Bakshi, which were backed by the banner. He was supposed to team up with YRF for Paani, directed by Kapur, but the movie was on hold due to creative differences between the Mr India helmer and the production house.

Sushant died by suicide on June 14, leaving his near and dear ones in a state of shock. Following his demise, fans alleged that several Bollywood biggies had tried to sabotage his career as he was an ‘outsider’, reigniting the nepotism debate.

SSR, who hailed from Patna, made an impact in the TV industry before entering Bollywood with the sleeper hit Kai Po Che. He impressed fans with his performances in PK and Shuddh Desi Romance, consolidating his standing in the industry. It was, however, MS Dhoni that established him as a bankable star. Chhichore was his last theatrical release before his death. Drive, backed by Karan Johar, released directly on Netflix. His last film Dil Bechara is slated to release on Disney+ Hotstar on July 24.

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