Artistes are beyond religion, says Anna Hazare

Social activist Anna Hazare who came in the limelight for his movement against corruption in India, says artistes are beyond the barriers of religion and country, and should not be discriminated on basis of where they belong to.

“Artistes are only artistes irrespective of their religion and country. They inspire others. I think there should be a difference between war and art,” he said, while launching the trailer of his biopic, ‘Anna: Kisan Baburao Hazare’.

“We should not detest art. But if an artist is harming our country in some way, then definitely we won’t tolerate that,” he added.

His comment came after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (NMS), following the terror attack in Uri, issued a fatwa to the Pakistani artistes working in India, asking them to leave India within 48 hours.

“Being a neighbouring country, Pakistan should not do any harm to us. However, this is not the first time and repeatedly they are trying to damage our country. If they don’t want to hear, I think it’s time to fight. Even I am 79, I am still ready to go to the border and fight,” Anna said.

The Indian film fraternity strongly condemned the terror attack in Uri. However, MNS’ demand to send back Pakistani artistes homes has aroused controversy.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.