Celebrities welcome Modi's black money move

India will be thoroughly Modi-fied, and for good. Banks will open their doors tomorrow to thousands of customers, waiting to refurbish the currency they dearly hold in their pockets. While America counted its votes, India had a sleepless night on Tuesday, counting its notes. That's how the sudden announcement by PM Narendra Modi snowballed. While addressing the nation, he announced that the current Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will not be legal tenders from November 8, midnight.The notes must reach the banks by the end of December this year in order to fight 'the disease of black money'.
What did this announcement do? Restaurants refused to accept the currency notes in aforementioned denominations. Fuel stations had queues that could shame the The Great Wall of China. And ATMs looked harangued while people roamed the streets, reeling under the shock that abruptly ended their otherwise normal Tuesday. We spoke to a host of opinion makers about the Prime Minister's move to curb black money:
Mukesh Bhatt
The way Modiji has gone about putting an end to black money isn't right. People are struggling to buy necessities. I think phasing out notes would've been more appropriate. I don't condemn what has happened, but the common man will suffer for now.
Naseeruddin Shah
It's a commendable and courageous decision. Let's pray this works to check the black money monster. But then prohibition wasn't able to stop the inflow of booze.
Aanand L Rai
It's a great step by the government and PM Modi. It shows their intention to give us a clean and an honest country. It also comes as a huge responsibility for the government to sustain this flow of positivity.
Rakesh Roshan
It's a brilliant move by our PM to curb black money. Bravo! It may be inconvenient for some of us initially but it will be better in the long run. We'll watch the economy boom.
Vikram Bhatt
PM Modi has walked his talk. In script-writing we are taught that a character is not dialogue but action. The PM in one swift move has cut off access to moneys that lie undeclared thereby cutting down on fake currency notes, corruption and black money. Those who stole from the country and from citizens are poor today and for that I am ecstatic.
Anil Kapoor
I think this government is out to make some very good and big changes in our lives. This was a fantastic move, unexpected and, the response is unprecedented. It was smartly executed and will bear great results in future.
Juhi Chawla
This is brilliant! What a master stroke by our PM. It's the biggest best Swachch Bharat campaign ever.
Tusshar Kapoor
It's the best move to make people turn in all black money. It will bring more money for reforms planned by the government. It's a little hard for honest people too, who have to adjust to the changes.
Madhur Bhandarkar
This is one of Modiji's best strikes so far. He's made a fantastic move to account for the black money that so far was completely out of bounds. It's an extremely well-thought-out move and it will only benefit the country. The counterfeited notes and also the bucks rotting in bank accounts abroad will be brought to book.
Taapsee Pannu
This is the most drastic step I've seen an Indian government take in my lifetime. I hope it makes a better India for our future generations. Now I just hope they do something about the taxes and not overburden the citizens because we pay way too much of tax compensating for people who have black money.
Richa Chadha
I hope this puts an end to the menace of black money and fake notes and brings down inflated prices, especially in real estate and helps everyone. I am exceptionally excited because this will also mean that politics will be cleaner. If more people pay taxes, it's better for the country. We will all partake in the growth of the nation and have better infrastructure.
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
Though it is a gutsy move in curbing corruption and terrorism, I think there is a thin line. What about the poor section and ordinary people who have no criminal intent? The reason for black money is our tax structure. Reform is needed all around for this initiative to fall into place.