Mumbai, Aug 16: Bollywood fraternity today slammed the government and extended full support to social activist Anna Hazare, who was detained ahead of his fast demanding a strong Lokpal, terming the police action against the Gandhian as ‘unconstitutional', ‘undemocratic' and ‘shameful'.
“We totally condemn the arrest of Anna Hazare...Voices of people like Anna can't be muffled by detaining them... He stands today as d voice of 120 cr Indians...,” filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said on micro-blogging site Twitter.
“The Indian citizen has the right to protest peacefully. Anna's arrest is unconstitutional and shows symptoms of an authoritarian mindset,” actor-director Farhan Akhtar said.
Noted lyricist Javed Akhtar said, “I have had certain reservations about Anna's method but his arrest can not be condoned. It is undemocratic ,unacceptable.”
Director, Punit Malhotra, said, “For the record... I am all for Anna and support his movement and think the arrest is unconstitutional and incorrect...”
“Shame on this Govt. It used its powers to make a Gandhian look like a scamster, but not to deliver rotting grain to those dying of hunger,” actor Ranvir Shorey tweeted. “Shameful! In Gandhi's nation gandhian principles of protest are not allowed by d government,” actress Bhagyashree said.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, tweeted, “Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal arrested even before they reach JP park. Saddest day for Indian democracy.”
“They have arrested Anna Hazare. Bad move, Government. BIG mistake! You've made yourselves look dictatorial, and Anna, even more of a martyr!,” singer Vishal Dadlani tweeted.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi said, “We condemn the arrest of Anna Hazare and his team and the ban on the proposed fast. Right to protest peacefully is a democratic right.”
“This move and method of preventing Anna Hazare is in my opinion most foolish and silly high handed act by the authorities. Big Mistake. Why is the Supreme court quite on this blatant breech of Anna Hazare's right to peaceful protest,” actor R Madhavan said.
“Is the Govt afraid, that like the right to Info bill, passing the Lok Pal too may come back to bite them in their posterior,” he said.
Actress Dia Mirza, tweeted, “Its clear the government today has made Anna Hazare a bigger hero than he already was.” “With Anna's and Kiran Bedi's arrest, we are witnessing History being written. Interesting times. God Bless our Nation,” singer Sonu Nigam said.
Actress Bipasha Basu said, “Anna Hazare needs to be supported to kill the ‘Demon' called ‘Corruption' that is eating up our Country!.” PTI
