Let there be peace says Bollywood

It is D-Day for Ayodhya. The Allahabad High Court will pass its order on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit today. This has been India’s most divisive and sensitive dispute since Independence.
And there is palpable fear of a breakdown of law and order all over again. Nobody wants a flashback of the riots that ripped apart India’s secular soul in December 1992.Nor reverberations of the serial blasts of Mumbai in March 1993. And Bollywood, which had then used its cinematic license to artistically touch upon these horrors, is now using its good influence to appeal to the countryman for peace today.
Mukesh Bhatt, Chairman of the United Film Producers’ body, taking the lead said, “I urge people to refrain from making any speculation about the judgement before it is pronounced. This is likely to inflame passions and provoke people. Let us not repeat what we have punished the nation with 18 years ago.” He finds a voice of support in brother and renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who added, “The need of the hour is to stand up and be Ambassadors of Peace. Stop people from picking up that stone and hurling it on the other.
The multi-culturarism, the plurarism we are so proud of runs through the veins of the film industry. We are nothing but the shared heritage of our nation. Let us protect it.”
Bollywood heavyweight Ajay Devgn, who recently became the face of the Mumbai Police for its public awareness campaigns, said, “Whatever the outcome of the decision, as a devout Indian I appeal to all my fellow countrymen to respect the judgement, maintain peace and calm. Human life is the best gift God has given us. If we want to keep His will, we must preserve life.” Whereas Salim and Salman Khan quoted Mujaddid Alsani from the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar: “Mulk se mohabbat ibadat (worship) ka ek hissa hai...” Appealing to all Indians, the Khans asked, “Haven’t we argued with each other enough? Haven’t we blamed each other enough? Haven’t we harmed each other enough? In the bargain the one who has suffered the most is none other than our motherland. Now we owe it to our country to forget all our differences and move ahead because there is no power greater than love, there is no religion greater than truth and there is no duty greater than sacrifice.”
Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan joined forces with them in saying, “If we really believe in all the teachings and meanings of whichever religion we follow, the message is only one; respect and serve and preserve that what has been given to us as a gift. Human life is a rare gift, we cannot undermine its importance by wilful acts against each other. Whatever the judgement that is passed in the court, we all should refrain from taking recourse to any action that threatens ours, or the lives of our brothers and sisters. We have to remember that as much respect as we have for man-made houses of God, the truth is that God resides in our hearts.”
Akshay Kumar, always a flag waver, said, “Our country is special and admired the world over for our love for all Gods and religions, for our peace and harmony. Let us not ruin our good name, let us keep the faith and love for all our neighbours. Stay calm and know that God is with us always no matter who or where we are. India has had enough of fighting. Let’s do what we do best, join our hands and pray together. As the Beatles said, ‘All we need is Love, Love is all we need’.” While Sanjay Dutt chipped in, “Eighteen years ago when India was up in flames because of the Ayodhya issue, my father worked as a peace ambassador. He brought the entire film industry together to initiate peace and calm. Today I sincerely appeal to the people of India to respect all religions... and above all, value human life. India needs us in this crucial hour. And, we will be with her without falling prey to rumours or provoactive remarks made by vested interests.”
John Abraham shared his take: “As a nation it’s important to maintain peace and realise that it’s not a day for either community to rejoice or mull over the judgement, and also for the common people to realise that this has all happened because of political parties which push religious agendas and that they should be voted out in future.” Shilpa Shetty lent her voice to this, saying, “It’s unforgivable to subscribe to acts of violence and anger in the name of religion. At the end of it all the ‘ultimate energy’ is one, named differently by us!
If we respect God we must respect mankind and life. Destr-uction will get us nowhere. Let the law take its course, forgive the past and value what we have — the present.” Priyanka Chopra suggested, “Whether you agree with the verdict or not, we have to put our faith in the judiciary which has advised any of the aggrieved parties to appeal to the higher court. It is imperative that as the youth of the country, we raise our voice and make our opinion be heard, but we should never fall prey to disruptive forces and raise our hands in violence.” While Bollywood veteran Yash Chopra concluded with this humble prayer, “We are one people, one nation, one future. Mother India appeals to us to protect
her honour today. Let us not fail her.”
(With inputs from Prithwish Ganguly)
Check out Shah Rukh Khan’s homepage
Follow us on Twitter for more stories