Mumbai, Apr 9 : Bollywood, which has been vociferous in its support for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast, today hailed the success of the anti-graft campaign led by the veteran social activist that resulted in the Government accepting his demands over a comprehensive Lok Pal Bill. The anti-corruption crusader today ended his 98-hour huger strike in New Delhi after the Government issued a gazette notification constituting a 10-member Joint Committee of Ministers and civil society activists, including Hazare, to draft an effective Lok Pal Bill.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who visited the protest site in the national capital to show his support to the 73-year-old activist, termed the campaign as a "great beginning". "Life is about dreaming and hoping. Today's victory may not eradicate corruption overnight, but it is a great beginning," he wrote on micro-blogging site twitter. "It is people's victory led by a 73yrs youngest man in India, Anna Hazare. Thank you for leading us. New journey begins. All the best to us."
Actor Bipasha Basu posted a tweet saying, "The steam of this movement should not stop here because the official win will happen when the Bill is finally passed by Parliament. Corruption is our enemy and now the tools to fight it will be stronger with the formation of this committee." "We need more leaders like Anna Hazare. This victory of Anna Hazare shows the strength of people and our democracy.
It's a very positive sign for India," she said. "Finally, victory to Anna and all the Indians, who supported Lokpal Bill with determination. Also, many thanks to media for keeping the anti-corruption fire burning across India," filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said. Poet-filmmaker Pritish Nandy, said, "for the first time a new generation of Indians identified with Gandhi and his techniques. While we thought they were outdated. The cynics here frustrate me at times. Even now they are carping against this historic victory of the people. The fact that Anna galvanised the youth across the nation makes this a great chance to use this youth power for India." "We, the people of India, won the first round in the war against corruption. All thanks to one man, Anna Hazare," the former MP said.
Actress Sushmita Sen tweeted, "Sir Anna Hazare's life is a victory in itself!!! What a leap of faith...still a long way to go...but he made the way possible!! Thank you sir!!" Actor Vivek Oberoi said, "An incredible victory for truth! Bharat mata ki jai!!! JaiHind."
"The youth of India finally has reason to hope again.Jiyo Hazare Saal Anna Sahib," actress Dia Mirza said. "Anna wins...but will the citizen of tomorrow have the credibility and selflessness to affect something similar? Will the cynic within SHUT UP! The cynic in me didn't believe the uproar against corruption would last, but India rising as one fills me with hope! More power to Anna!!," singer-actor Meiyang Chang said on his comments posted on twitter.
Several other celebrities, including singer Shreya Ghoshal, actor Purab Kohli, filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Shekar Kapur, also hailed the noted Gandhian and his campaign. PTI
