Aamir wrong about intolerance, says UP governor Ram Naik
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik on Tuesday rejected actor Aamir Khan’s allegation of growing intolerance in the country by stating that though Bollywood stars were the ‘shaan’ (pride) of Mumbai, not everything they say was ‘shaandaar’ (grand).
“India is a tolerant country, which is why people still go to watch their (the Bollywood stars’) movies despite their remarks. Why should the image of Mumbai or the country be spoiled because of a few stray remarks?” asked Naik, who has been a three-time MLA from a Mumbai constituency and fivetime MP from the Maharashtra capital.
He was replying to questions at the ‘Coffee with Hindustan Times session’ held at HT Lucknow office on Tuesday.
To drive home his point, the governor further said: “I don’t know much about films, but I believe that when Salman the 2002 hit-and-run case, many across the country — not just his family and friends — celebrated the event. That is why I say India is a tolerant country.”
When it was pointed out that most of the writers who returned their awards or spoke about intolerance were from Maharashta, Naik said they were in a minority.
“There could be some who are angry with the RSS. But, aisey logon ki maryada, takat aur sankhya kam ho rahi hai (I believe their credibility, capacity and strength is decreasing) ”