Bollywood has an opinion on the Asha Parekh Padma Bhushan issue | Bollywood - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Bollywood has an opinion on the Asha Parekh Padma Bhushan issue

Hindustan Times | ByTorsha Sen and Yashika Mathur, New Delhi
Jan 05, 2016 06:10 PM IST

Nitin Gadkari’s comment on Asha Parekh lobbying for a Padma Award stirs a hornet’s nest in Bollywood. Everyone from Imitaz Ali to Mahesh Bhatt have voiced their opinion.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari’s recent comment on veteran actor Asha Parekh approaching him, demanding the Padma Bhushan Award, has stirred a debate. While many are disappointed, others accept that the culture of lobbying exists.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Asha Parekh approached her for Padma Bhushan recommendation.(Hindustan Times)
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Asha Parekh approached her for Padma Bhushan recommendation.(Hindustan Times)

Veteran actor Farida Jalal says, “I don’t know why he (Nitin Gadkari) would say something like this. I have known Asha ji for long and she is a lovely lady. I have heard that lobbying happens before awards but why would any actor do this? It is an honour and I fail to understand how any actor would try and get an award through the wrong means.”

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Read: Asha Parekh, others ‘chased’ me for Padma Bhushan: Nitin Gadkari

Last year, yoga guru Baba Ramdev declined Padma Vibhushan award, alleging that a lot of lobbying takes place. Film producer Pritish Nandy says, “The lobbyists rule the roost. A man like Sant Chatwal, who had CBI cases pending against him got the Padma Bhushan. I put in an RTI application and never got a response,” he alleges.

Ad guru Prahlad Kakkar is more direct, “Lobbying has always existed and I know this for a fact. Initially, another minister was the contact person for Bollywood people, now maybe it is Gadkari.”

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Rural Development and Drinking water & Sanitation Nitin Gadkari, brief the media on the complete BJP Modi government 100 Days at National Media Centre, in New Delhi, India on Monday, September 15, 2014. (Hindustan Times)
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Rural Development and Drinking water & Sanitation Nitin Gadkari, brief the media on the complete BJP Modi government 100 Days at National Media Centre, in New Delhi, India on Monday, September 15, 2014. (Hindustan Times)

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt asks a pertinent question, “Why single out Asha Parekh ji? What about the other times when people lobbied and they gave the award? Why bring light to your credibility and say that this person lobbied us and we did not give the award, what about when you did?”

Imtiaz Ali, Pritish Nandy and Anup Jalota join the debate.
Imtiaz Ali, Pritish Nandy and Anup Jalota join the debate.

Says singer Anup Jalota, “Recommending someone’s name for honours can’t be called lobbying. Those in power recognise the ones whom they know and have heard of.”

“I cannot support or deny the existence of lobbying but I just know that it is not a very worthy way to get an award,” says director Imtiaz Ali.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On