Faces of Celebrities and Kashmir
Posted : August 22, 2008 at 5:58 am [IST]
Many a times I wonder if democracy means only the freedom regarding passing on any opinion. Should we not restrain from using this right if it may harm the social causes at large. It is particular necessary for those get themselves promoted as celebrities or leader of some sorts.
In last few days two women celebrities came out in media with some statement that really pained me rather shocked me to certain extent, as I still have a lot of respect for their wisdom perhaps achievements.
According to Shabana Azmi, whom I adore as actress, ‘Indian politics has been unfair to Muslims and despite Indian secularism Muslims are discriminated against. As claimed, she couldn’t buy a house in Mumbai because she was a Muslim. “I wanted to buy a flat in Bombay and it wasn’t given to me because I was a Muslim and I read the same about Saif (Ali Khan). Now, I mean, if Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi cannot get a flat in Bombay because they are Muslims, then what are we talking about?” I know a friend of mine who doesn’t give his flat in Salt Lake City, Kolkata to any local because of the fear of their cooking of smelling fish. Is it something illegal or should he be punished? Shabana’s statement is in poor taste when the whole of Kashmir is burning and SIMI’s activists appear to be behind all terror incidents.
Activist and author Arundhati Roy, famous for Booker Prize on her very first book was present at the massive Monday rally in Kashmir. And there must be many along with secessionists and Gillani. She has been quoted as saying, “India needs azadi from Kashmir as much as Kashmir needs azadi from India.”
The situation in the valley as well as Jammu is really bad. Just month back, we had a dream to go to Kashmir that we had never been to. However, as it seems it will not be possible with the present situation over there. Who is at fault? It is certainly the government that is not proactive and prompt. But let the media not publish the statements of these celebrities that can add fuel to the burning fire.
I only wish that the religious identity must not divide the communities against the nation. And it would have better if celebrities and so called leaders restrain themselves in making remarks that can harm the nation.
- Indra
Category: Religious/Social issues |
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