Many say actor owns four flats in Juhu, one in Khandala
Four flats in Juhu, and a house in Khandala are what actor Shabana Azmi owns, if some of the prominent people from the film fraternity are to be believed.
Irked by the alleged irresponsible statement by Azmi, who claimed that she was denied a house in Mumbai, people from the film industry called a press meet at Club Millennium in Juhu on Wednesday.
“It’s the worst communal statement made by someone who has multiple houses. There are many societies who do not allow Hindus, but we respect their culture
and don’t condemn them.” said filmmaker Ashoke Pandit.
In an interview to a private news channel on Sunday, Azmi had stated that despite India’s secularism, Muslims were still being victims of discrimination.
Producer-director Shashi Ranjan and music director Aadesh Srivastav said that it was unfair on Azmi’s part to make such polarised statements when the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is still critical.
“There are certain Parsi societies that do not allow non-Parsis. In Bandra, there are many societies that do not allow non-Christians. There are some who do not allow Hindus who eat non-vegetarian food. I do not condone this. But that doesn’t mean secularism and democracy of our country is in danger,” said Ranjan.
Ranjan said that it was irresponsible on part of the actress who got fame and recognition in this very society.
“We salute a stalwart like Feroze Khan who stood at the heart of an Islamic state like Pakistan and appreciated the fact that Indian Muslims are far happier than their Pakistani counterparts. Khan is no lesser Muslim than Shabana Azmi,” said Pandit.
Despite repeated calls, Azmi was unavailable for comment.
b_linah@dnaindia.net
