Alleging 'Loveratri' hurts Hindu-sentiments, Togadia's-aide announces reward for thrashing Salman
What's the story
Govind Parashar, Agra chief of the organization 'Hindu Hi Aage,' on Thursday alleged Salman Khan's production 'Loveratri' hurt Hindu sentiments, and announced a reward of Rs. 2 lakh for thrashing the superstar in public. The group was formed by former Vishwa Hindu Parishad president Pravin Togadia. 'Loveratri' marks the debut of Salman Khan's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma and will release on October 5.
The reason
Why is 'Hindu Hi Aage' furious with the unreleased movie?
According to Parashar and his supporters, Khan's 'Loveratri' distorted 'Navratri'- a Hindu festival. "We condemn such intention of Salman Khan and seek a ban on the movie. If it is permitted to be screened, we would oppose it tooth and nail," Parashar said. He then went on to declare the reward to anyone who beat Khan in public.
The warning
Parashar says screens will be vandalized if 'Loveratri' releases
Asking the Central Board of Film Certification to ban the movie (that is scheduled to release during Navratri), Parashar warned of violent protests by 'Hindu Hi Aage'. He threatened cinema screens will be vandalized if the movie releases. In an attempt to prove these are not empty threats, the organization's members went to Agra's Bhagwan Talkies and burnt posters of Khan's movies.
Information
Lest we forget, Govind Parashar has a history of violence
The Agra chief, Govind Parashar, of 'Hindu Hi Aage' was once a member of Bajrang Dal. He was earlier arrested for exhibiting firearms during Dussehra. Recently, he had launched a three-day campaign seeking construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Looking back
Fringe outfits vs movies: Can Khan ignore these threats?
If there is one lesson the film industry can take from the 'Padmaavat' episode, it is to not ignore these threats from such outfits. The Karni Sena was opposed to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus when it was in shooting stage, and we all know how that turned out. If Khan wishes not to repeat history, he should take action sooner rather than later.