Mumbai, Aug 28: Bollywood stars today greeted Anna Hazare's “triumph” in his fight over the Lokpal bill with a “jai ho”, hailing his achievement as a “golden day” and a “new beginning” for the country.
Shortly after the 74-year-old Gandhian broke his fast, the stars expressed their happiness and sent their messages on their blogs and microblogging site Twitter relieved at his decision.
Saluting Hazare, Amitabh Bachchan said the strength of solo effort and application has the power to move “many a mountain” and no where could this be truer than what one individual belief did in the campaign to eradicate the evils of corruption.
“The initial step to correction has been taken, the battle has been won but the war remains. True victory shall only be registered when we shall win the war,” he said.
Filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted, “The peoples hurricane hits the government!! And there is no shelter this time... ANNA HAZARE is a storm to reckon with!! RESPECT!!”
Mahesh Bhatt, who had termed Hazare's approach as ‘fascist', said, “Anna and all those who stood by him have a right to feel triumphant. Congrats to Anna. The Govt did not have the moral courage to lock horns with his movement because their hands were stained with blood.”
“To a new beginning. Let's applaud Anna for leading the people of India into a nonviolent show of strength. I'm proud to be an Indian. Jai Ho,” veteran actress Shabana Azmi said.
Preity Zinta said today is a “golden day” for each Indian and it should be ensured that the momentum is not lost “Today I'm truly proud to be an Indian. Today is Anna-Pendence day!! Anna Sahib breaks Anshan. His fight against corruption will give us better future ahead. Jai Hind! Jai Anna! Jai Lokpal,” actress Prachi Desai said.
“Anna unites the people b4 breaking his fast. A big day for India. Now it's our responsibility to sustain this momentum (sic),” actor-director Farhan Akhtar said.
Bipasha Basu tweeted, “Anna is our true leader and his spirit has made everyone conscious that we can do away with corruption and need not accept it as a part of our lives. Big step forward for India n all of us (sic).”
“Anna Hazare's strong words stay with me. ‘Be pure in your thoughts n actions! Protest against the wrong but peacefully!,” she added.
Shilpa Shetty said “Congratulations to “us” as a country, now we can call it a DEMOCRACY, that we PRACTISE! Feel proud of this awakening, better late than NEVER! Heartfelt salutations and gratitude to Annaji and all the people with him 4 the selfless fight they've put up on our behalf. RESPECT!.”
“Anna ji, you have already achieved the impossible. Parliament is finally debating on a topic FOR THE PEOPLE. God give you long life. Thank you Anna. Thank you Jan Lokpal team and the biggest THANKS to the PEOPLE of our Great Country for their courage and belief. JAI HO,” Anupam Kher said.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Every generation needs a new revolution. Hats off to Annaji. Jai Hind.”
“Anna's fight is in every home. This will impact everyone of us for years to come! In my life, I hope I'm able to keep this alive in my small way,” actress Lara Dutta said.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said, “6am. Woke to a new dawn, a new freedom, and saw a distant star of hope shining brighter and closer to every Indian heart... proud to be Indian.”
“I am proud to have witnessed the India that I have in the last 11 days. Even more proud of parliamentarians who upheld the democracy. Thank you Annaji Hazare for the awakening,” actress Dia Mirza said.
Riteish Deshmukh tweeted, “ANNA stands tall today-PEOPLE stand tall today- INDIA stands tall today- a day to remember.”
Actress Raveena Tandon was unhappy about the fact that she could not witness the end of Hazare's agitation at Ramlila Maidan.
“Disgusting!! Just when we were waiting to watch Anna break his fast, glued to our screen, heavy rains start and there goes off the tata sky again!,” Raveena tweeted. PTI
