One couple stands up for the Bachchans

Jaya aunty didn���t say anything wrong, says Goldie
Now that Raj Thackeray has accepted Amitabh Bachchan���s apology, you must be a relieved man?
Yes.
Was Jaya Bachchan���s statement provocative?
Jaya aunty never meant to offend anybody. She didn't say anything wrong.
How did your friends and family react to the Jaya Bachchan-Raj Thackeray exchange?
We make films to bring the audience into theatres.So, if there is any obstruction, it is sad. Yes, it was a matter of concern.
After MNS��� attempts to disrupt the premiere of The Last Lear, how do you plan to ensure a trouble-free premier for Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Drona?
That���s for the producer and the distributors to decide.
Did you cast Abhishek in Drona because he is your best friend? And, how did you decide on Priyanka Chopra?
That was a factor, but I wanted Indian looking characters and since the film speaks about legacy, who better than Abhishek? Priyanka plays Drona���s guard. I selected her because she has a very earthy look.
Why did you postpone the release of Drona to October 2?
There was some delay, but that's because the film required a lot of post-production work.
Sonali defends Jaya
Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre, a close friend of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, came in defence of actor-MP Jaya Bachchan, saying her alleged ���anti-Marathi��� remarks were ���misinterpreted���.
���It was not meant as it was construed to be. It was a completely off the cuff remark which was misinterpreted,��� she said. Bendre, who was speaking to reporters at the launch of Indian Idol 4 said, ���I know the Bachchans from a long time and those who know Jayaji, would know that it was not made with an attitude to disgrace anyone.���
By now, of course, bachcha bachcha jaanta hai ke Jaya���s alleged remarks at a promotional function of her son Abhishek���s latest movie, Drona, snowballed into a major political controversy with the MNS taking umbrage at her remarks. And that her hubby and Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bachchan apologised on her behalf. Bendre, who is the wife of filmmaker Goldie Behl, said, ���Drona, being my husband���s film, I was also present at the launch party and I know in what context she said that. I���m not saying this because I am associated with the film but my association with the Bachchans is from the days of Major Saab and it is as warm now as it was then. However, I think now (Amitabh) Bachchan has been quite gracious in seeking an apology, as it had hurt the sentiments of a section of people. Now, I think we should do our bit by putting the matter behind us,��� added Bendre.
Asked whether she���d play a mediator between the two as she is close to both families, Bendre said, ���I am too small a person to be involved in this matter.��� Raj Thackeray has already announced withdrawal of his agitation against the Bachchans.