Don't be partial !!!!

Is there any similarity among films Wake Up Sid!, Aisha, once Upon a time in Mumbai &  Dhobi Ghat ?.....

All these films are based on different stories, actors are different, every aspect is different except one. In these movies word ‘BOMBAY’ is used instead of  ‘MUMBAI’.,

Around two years back  (year 2009) Wake Up Sid! was released. Along with film members one of the political parties in Maharashtra actively helped in making publicity of movie. The party was Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. The party was against use of word ‘Bombay’ instead of ‘Mumbai’, which was used quite a few times in that film. At that time, the issue raised by them was absolutely right. MNS tried to stop the shows of that film which were running across the Mumbai. The result of that agitation was that producer of Wake Up Sid! had to show a disclaimer in theatres before beginning of the film & apologise for hurting the sentiments of  a particular group of people.

After this issue MNS chief wrote a letter to Sharmila Tagore (Chairperson, CBFC) stating she would be held responsible for any film released containing the word `Bombay' instead of `Mumbai'.

Recently I watched two movies, Aisha & Dhobi Ghat. In the movie Aisha, actor Abhay Deol Speaks the word Bombay 3-4 times. At that time no such objection was taken by MNS. The movie did not face any kind of disturbances. Same was the case with Dhobi Ghat. In this film Aamir khan uses the word Bombay in his dialogues. Here also same thing was repeated. No action was taken. The most surprising fact was that MNS chief Raj Thackeray was present in the theatre for premier of  Dhobi Ghat.

How could MNS be partial to later two movies? It was just unacceptable. I personally admire Raj Thackeray. According to me, he is one of the most talented leaders in Maharashtra. But in this issue I am against him & his party.  

 MNS also has separate cell for monitoring all activities related to television, Bollywood & Marathi movies. And still such negligence? This is definitely going to affect image of MNS.

I think people should not use the word Bombay. Neither in day-to-day conversation nor in films. Officially Bombay became Mumbai in late 90’s. And unless we use word Mumbai, it will not become the routine word. The name Mumbai was given to the city by Indians and it was renamed as Bombay by British people. At least let’s not follow the names given by British people.

Finally I appeal MNS to be impartial in every activity. Don’t spoil your image. & I hope from today let's use Mumbai instead of Bombay.....

AMBAVANE's