Ae Dil...

■ Continued from Page 1 Army welfare fund, but defended his intervention to resolve the issue. “Democratic governments at times would even talk to separatists and ultras for the sake of peace,” he said.

The film’s smooth release, on coming Friday, was ensured at a meeting of Film Producers’ Guild, producers and Mr Thackeray. It was mediated by Fadnavis last week.

On Monday, Fadnavis had said: “When the issue of `5 crore came up, I intervened and made it clear to the Film Producers’ Guild that they need not have to agree with it. I also told them that the contribution has to be made voluntarily. However, it was producers’ decision to accept it”.

The producers also agreed to include a tribute to Indian soldiers at the start of Karan Johar’s film, as the so-called compromise triggered outrage with many describing Thackeray’s monetary condition as “extortion”.