Violence is not the way: Aamir on 'Padmavati'

Agencies
December 12, 2017

New Delhi, Dec 12: Everyone has a right to protest but violence is not the way, says Bollywood star Aamir Khan, terming the threats to Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali over their film "Padmavati" as "most unfortunate".

The actor said he would not like to "comment directly" on the raging controversy over "Padmavati" but violence is never a solution.

"I feel that everybody has a right to protest. But I think in a democracy and in a country where we believe in the rule of law, I don't think anyone should be threatening people with violence. That is most unfortunate," Aamir said in an exclusive interview.

The film's release date has been deferred following protests from various Rajput groups and political leaders who have accused Bhansali of distorting history.

Director Bhansali had said the film is based on the 16th-century epic poem "Padmavat".

The row took an ugly turn with death threats to Deepika and Bhansali.

"No matter what walk of life you are in, whether you are a film person or a non-film person -- you could be a doctor, an engineer, a government servant -- but to be threatened physically is most unfortunate.

"I don't believe in that philosophy. It reflects badly on us when things like this happen," Aamir said.

According to the actor, such threats are not restricted to film people.

"As an Indian, it makes me sad. It is not just restricted to a film personality, it could be anyone. The rule of law should be upheld and no one should be above the law and no one should take violence in their hands," he added.

Most Bollywood celebrities have kept quiet about the "Padmavati" row. Salman Khan, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar and directors Anurag Kashyap, Hansal Mehta and Anand L Rai are amongst the few people who have spoken their mind.

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News Network
April 23,2020

New Delhi, Apr 23: As the holy month of Ramzan is about to begin, several Muslim public figures on Thursday appealed to the community to offer tarawih and hold iftar inside their homes and follow the lockdown regulations imposed to tackle the coronavirus threat.

Television actor Iqbal Khan in a video message appealed to the people to not step out of their houses during Ramzan.

"This time around, whatever you do during Ramzan, you have to do it inside your houses. Do not visit mosques; offer tarawih (late evening prayers offered during Ramzan) at your homes. Your stepping outside will not only put you in a problem but may put your family members in trouble also," said Khan.

"And that will be wrong, do not go outside. If anyone says you have to go outside then they are wrong. Stay home and stay safe and help others stay safe too," he added.

Another TV actor and Tik Tok star Jannat Zubair asked people to avoid any kind of social gatherings so as to ensure the safety of everyone.

"I know we are in a difficult situation but there is no need to panic. We will overcome this and things will be fine. The holy month of Ramzan is going to start, please stay home, offer prayers at your homes and avoid family/friends gatherings for now. It is just a matter of time, things will be fine soon. Stay home and stay safe," she said.
Ramzan is likely to begin from April 24.

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Agencies
July 25,2020

Mumbai, Jul 25: Movie theatres have been shuttered for months due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country, but the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has now recommended that the Union Home Ministry allow cinema halls to reopen in August. 

I&B Secretary Amit Khare indicated this at a close-door industry interaction with the CII Media Committee on Friday. He said Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla at the Home Ministry would take the final call.

Khare said that he has recommended that cinema halls may be allowed to reopen all over India as early as August 1, or at the latest, around August 31.

The formula suggested is that alternate seats in the first row and then the next row be kept vacant, and proceeding in this fashion throughout.

Khare said that his ministry's recommendation takes into consideration the two metre social distancing norm, but tweaks it gently to two yards instead. The Home Ministry, however, still has to revert on the recommendation.

Cinema owners, present in the interaction, however, pushed back and said this formula is unwise and merely running films at 25% auditorium capacity is worse than keeping the cinemas shut.

The attendees at the meet included media CEOs like N.P. Singh of Sony, Sam Balsara (Madison), Megha Tata, (Discovery), Gaurav Gandhi (Amazon Prime), Manish Maheshwari (Twitter), S. Sivakumar (Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd), and K Madhavan, Star & Disney, and also Chairman, CII Media Committee.

The OTT platforms present, including Gandhi of Amazon Prime, did not push back. Some Bollywood producers, notably those of Amitabh Bachchan's Gulabo Sitabo, have posted their movies on OTT, rather than live out the lockdown uncertainty.

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News Network
June 3,2020

New Delhi, Jun 3: "This year feels relentless," actor Priyanka Chopra said urging Mumbai residents to take precautionary measures in view of Cyclone Nisarga.

The cyclone storm is approaching the north coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday.

Sharing Mumbai's famous Bandra-Worli Sea Link road picture on her Instagram story, the actor wrote: "Cyclone Nisarga is making its way to Mumbai, my beloved home city of more than 20 million people, including my mom and brother."

"Mumbai hasn't experienced a serious cyclone landfall since 1891, and at a time when the world is so desperate, this could be especially devastating," the 'Don' actor added.

"This year feels relentless. Please, everyone, find cover, take precautions, and follow the guidelines outlines. Please stay safe everyone, " said Chopra as she shared a swipe up link to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) page that details the Do's and Don'ts for Mumbaikars to take on Cyclone Nisarga.

Earlier, the IMD had stated that the severe cyclonic storm is expected to impact the Maharashtra coast by the afternoon/evening of June 3.

On Tuesday, actor Vicky Kaushal shared a picture of the cloudy sky on the photo-sharing platform and hoped that the "first showers only bring relief and joy and not too much drama." The 'Raazi' actor also urged people to stay safe.

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