MUMBAI: Amidst talks about lesser punishment awarded to the accused in the Neeraj Grover case, pressure is mounting on TV and film producers and television channels not to hire Kannada actor Maria Susairaj, who was freed from jail the other day.
The BJP, Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have opposed the reported move by filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma to hire Maria for his next film. Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Mumbai general secretary Amit Satam warned filmmakers and TV channels against casting Maria in any of their ventures.
Shiv Sena outfit Bharatiya Chitrapat Sena chief Abhijit Panse accused Ram Gopal Verma of indulging in ‘publicity stunts’ by offering a role to Maria. He threatened to unleash ‘Shiv Sena-style’ opposition in case any filmmaker or TV channel hired Susairaj.
The MNS-affiliated Cine Workers Association president Amey Khopkar said Maria had a criminal background and therefore nobody wanted to see her in films or television shows. The reported participation of Maria in the fifth season of reality show ‘Bigg Boss’ has drawn sharp reaction from many in the entertainment industry itself.
TV anchor Mini Mathur and filmmaker Onir have come out openly against the move. ‘’If Maria Susairaj actually gets cast in Big Boss, I will officially stop working in the TV industry. Will we stop at nothing for TRPs? SHAME,’’ Mini posted on Twitter. Editor-filmmaker Shirish Kunder said: ‘’Am not sure if Maria will be good in Bigg Boss, but masterchef could use her chopping. If Maria Susairaj is in Bigg Boss, evicted contestants will be going out in plastic bags.’’
However, the Colors channel has officially denied the reports that Maria is one of the contestants in the show. The new season of Bigg Boss is said to be hosted by actor Sanjay Dutt.
A large number of film and television personalities and NGOs had organised a candle-light vigil here on Sunday evening to express their angst. Nearly 600 people assembled at the Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri led by actor RazaMurad and film-maker Ashok Pandit took part in the candle-light protest.