Anna Hazare real hero, I am not: Aamir Khan

22.08.2013

The Times of India, thehindu.com, IBNLive, 27 августа 2011 г.

Anna Hazare real hero, I am not: Aamir Khan

NEW DELHI: "I am not the biggest hero, Anna (Hazare) is the real hero," said superstar Aamir Khan on Saturday as he pledged support to the activist's fight for a strong anti-corruption law.

Khan's remarks at Ramlila Maidan came as a key Hazare aide Kumar Viswas described the actor as the biggest hero of the country who has lent his support to the movement.

Regaling Hazare's supporters by singing "Mitwaa..." from his superhit movie 'Lagaan', Khan requested the 74-year-old activist to call off his fast as they needed him for leading the countrymen in further struggle.

"I request you to end your fast because we understand that it is a process and Parliament must debate the bill," he said.

"This is the first episode of the struggle. The climax would be when we get the strong Lokpal Bill," Aamir, who "knows what Jan Lokpal Bill is and the differences between it and other versions," said.

He said people should approach their MPs "whom we have elected" and ask them to support Hazare's version of the bill.

"I will meet my MP Priya Dutt and tell her please support the Jan Lokpal Bill. I would say that every Indian must ask their MPs to support this bill. Our eyes are on them," he said.

Khan also spoke with Dr Naresh Trehan, who had come to examine Hazare, and enquired about his health.

"I have no doubt in my mind that we'll get a strong Lokpal Bill. However, we need to decide as to how we are going to live our lives... Will we give or accept bribes? Will we say no to corruption in our lives," Khan said.

"It's high time everyone of us said no to any kind of corruption. Our actions will determine whether India becomes a corruption-free country or not," the actor said.

When asked by Kiran Bedi if Bollywood would lend its support to the anti-corruption movement when needed, Khan said, "Not only Bollywood, every Indian is with Anna Hazare in his fight against corruption. We will fully support him when needed".

Director Raju Hirani said he had never imagined that a day would come when the whole country would stand up against corruption.

"It has become possible because of Anna and I have come here to salute him," he said, adding that "we need you (Anna) in this battle against corruption... Please break your fast and stay with us."

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Anna has awakened us, says Aamir Khan

Film actor Aamir Khan, director Rajkumar Hirani, and playback singer Sonu Nigam were among the celebrities who visited anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan on Saturday. While news of Mr. Khan making a visit has been doing the rounds since Friday, the announcement by civil society member Arvind Kejriwal that the popular star would address the crowd was met with great euphoria.

People surged forward to get a good look at the actor but with several tiers of barricades and enclosures, the closest the crowd could get was nearly 50-75 metres of the stage.

“We are with Anna”

“Anna has awakened us. We are all united with him in this struggle against corruption. I have seen all versions of the Lokpal Bill. I support the Jan Lokpal Bill completely. It is apparent that Parliament will pass this Bill. They should bring a strong Lokpal Act. Today, we have seen the importance of elections and our votes. A lot of people don't go out to vote. I will ask Priya Dutt, my MP, to support the Jan Lokpal Bill. Likewise, all of you should ask your MPs to support the Bill,” Mr. Khan said.

The crowd also witnessed Mr. Khan's comic interlude when he was asked to join a few singers in a rendition of the popular song, “Mitwa, Tu Aajaa Re” from his 2001 film Lagaan, which has been sung on every day of the fast. “I sing poorly. It shouldn't happen that you people run away when I sing,” Mr. Khan remarked, leaving the Anna supporters in splits.

‘Gandhi is alive'

Rajkumar Hirani, director of Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai, and Three Idiots, said that though one of his films discussed Mahatma Gandhi's ideas it was dismissed by many people as impractical. “We have seen so much corruption around us, but I never thought I would see such a movement against corruption in my lifetime. The way this movement has proceeded peacefully and non-violently shows that Gandhi is alive with us. Annaji, you stop the fast. We want you with us. The protest can still go on,” Mr. Hirani said.

Sonu Nigam visited the maidan in the morning and warmed the hearts of Anna supporters with patriotic songs and Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn Vaishnav Jan To.

thehindu.com