The Sanjay Dutt Tapes
Prasad Patil August 6, 2002
#28 Posted by Advani on August 16, 2002 11:32:18 am
The ACLU finally finds a religion it can tolerate.
Surprise--it`s Islam
Latest Featured Article
On the Editorial Page
The ACLU finally finds a religion it can tolerate. Surprise--it`s Islam.
12:01 a.m. EDT
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110002123
REVIEW &OUTLOOK
Mandating the Koran
The ACLU finally finds a religion it can tolerate. Surprise--it`s Islam.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002 12:01 a.m. EDT
When a state university requires students to immerse themselves in the study of a particular religion, it can expect trouble. That`s exactly what the University of North Carolina got for its summer reading requirement that all incoming freshmen read portions of the Koran and commentary by a religious scholar. The school now faces a lawsuit from a group of students and alumni, charging violations of the First Amendment.
This university exercise in compulsory religious study is strange enough. But no less so than the acquiescent response of those civil liberties watchdogs usually ever alert to the danger that somebody, somewhere, might be sneaking a prayer into some school program or graduation ceremony. The American Civil Liberties Union, normally busy saving the nation`s schools from the smallest whiff of religious influence, has leapt to university`s defense. Finally, it seems, the ACLU has found a religion it can tolerate.
The University of North Carolina program requires students to read Koran portions and also listen to a CD offering recitals in Arabic, including the chant calling the faithful to prayer. Students are then asked to write a paper on their responses. The point, explains university Chancellor James Moeser, is to seek understanding and bring home to students the reasons Islam has a billion followers across the globe.
If that`s the case, it`s a highly selective understanding since ``Approaching the Qur`an,`` by Haverford College Professor Michael Sells, omits those portions of the Koran that terrorists have used to justify their actions. Mr. Sells explains this away by drawing an analogy to courses in Western Civilization, where students are more likely to read Biblical passages from Exodus than the bloody accounts in Joshua. The next time a terrorist cites Joshua as his rationale for murdering thousands of innocent civilians, let us know.
Students who object to their assignment have been given the option of writing a paper explaining why they refuse it, and how it offends their religious values. Some option. We are speaking here of the most vulnerable and easily cowed members of a school population--the freshman class. Young people setting foot in a university for the first time aren`t in much of a position to say no to their first assignment, whatever they may feel, and the university administrators doubtless know that. Members of the incoming class who do refuse it are still required to show up and explain themselves at group discussions led by faculty later this month--a teach-in, of sorts. Still the watchdogs haven`t uttered a sound. Apparently the guardians of the Establishment Clause decided that compulsory religious study is OK if it helps a university promote the politically correct view of Islam. As an ACLU lawyer explained on National Public Radio, requiring the readings from the Koran isn`t a problem because its aim is educational, and won`t be, as long as it is presented as belief and not fact. It`s hard to imagine the ACLU exhibiting the same large-mindedness toward a state university that demanded all freshmen read the New Testament or the Torah and meditate on the teachings and liturgical music.
The same organization ready to wage war to the death against all forms of religious expression in the schools has apparently decided it`s all right to exempt Islam and the Koran. Fine with us. Maybe we can look forward to an extension of this tolerance, whereby the ACLU may even someday desist from filing lawsuits over Nativity scenes and Christmas carols in the schools, or the posting of the Ten Commandments. We are, of course, not holding our breath.
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Surprise--it`s Islam
Latest Featured Article
On the Editorial Page
The ACLU finally finds a religion it can tolerate. Surprise--it`s Islam.
12:01 a.m. EDT
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110002123
REVIEW &OUTLOOK
Mandating the Koran
The ACLU finally finds a religion it can tolerate. Surprise--it`s Islam.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002 12:01 a.m. EDT
When a state university requires students to immerse themselves in the study of a particular religion, it can expect trouble. That`s exactly what the University of North Carolina got for its summer reading requirement that all incoming freshmen read portions of the Koran and commentary by a religious scholar. The school now faces a lawsuit from a group of students and alumni, charging violations of the First Amendment.
This university exercise in compulsory religious study is strange enough. But no less so than the acquiescent response of those civil liberties watchdogs usually ever alert to the danger that somebody, somewhere, might be sneaking a prayer into some school program or graduation ceremony. The American Civil Liberties Union, normally busy saving the nation`s schools from the smallest whiff of religious influence, has leapt to university`s defense. Finally, it seems, the ACLU has found a religion it can tolerate.
The University of North Carolina program requires students to read Koran portions and also listen to a CD offering recitals in Arabic, including the chant calling the faithful to prayer. Students are then asked to write a paper on their responses. The point, explains university Chancellor James Moeser, is to seek understanding and bring home to students the reasons Islam has a billion followers across the globe.
If that`s the case, it`s a highly selective understanding since ``Approaching the Qur`an,`` by Haverford College Professor Michael Sells, omits those portions of the Koran that terrorists have used to justify their actions. Mr. Sells explains this away by drawing an analogy to courses in Western Civilization, where students are more likely to read Biblical passages from Exodus than the bloody accounts in Joshua. The next time a terrorist cites Joshua as his rationale for murdering thousands of innocent civilians, let us know.
Students who object to their assignment have been given the option of writing a paper explaining why they refuse it, and how it offends their religious values. Some option. We are speaking here of the most vulnerable and easily cowed members of a school population--the freshman class. Young people setting foot in a university for the first time aren`t in much of a position to say no to their first assignment, whatever they may feel, and the university administrators doubtless know that. Members of the incoming class who do refuse it are still required to show up and explain themselves at group discussions led by faculty later this month--a teach-in, of sorts. Still the watchdogs haven`t uttered a sound. Apparently the guardians of the Establishment Clause decided that compulsory religious study is OK if it helps a university promote the politically correct view of Islam. As an ACLU lawyer explained on National Public Radio, requiring the readings from the Koran isn`t a problem because its aim is educational, and won`t be, as long as it is presented as belief and not fact. It`s hard to imagine the ACLU exhibiting the same large-mindedness toward a state university that demanded all freshmen read the New Testament or the Torah and meditate on the teachings and liturgical music.
The same organization ready to wage war to the death against all forms of religious expression in the schools has apparently decided it`s all right to exempt Islam and the Koran. Fine with us. Maybe we can look forward to an extension of this tolerance, whereby the ACLU may even someday desist from filing lawsuits over Nativity scenes and Christmas carols in the schools, or the posting of the Ten Commandments. We are, of course, not holding our breath.
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#27 Posted by Glen on August 15, 2002 12:52:31 am
Bund Dimaagh how much dimaagh do you need to know that majority of crime in hindustan will be done by Hindu Sthani
BULLETS FLY INSIDE MUMBAI DISCO
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Mumbai, Aug. 14:
Revellers at J49, one of Mumbai’s favourite discotheques at Juhu, had barely started rolling in when four armed men stormed in and sprayed bullets.
The attack last night had no apparent target but has struck right at the heart of Mumbai’s partygoers. “Oh god, I am such a regular visitor at J49,’’ said Pinky Shah, a copywriter. “What if I had been there when the shootout happened? I don’t think I’ll go there ever again.”
At about 9.30 pm, four men, some carrying carbines, sauntered into the disco. After surveying the scene, they began firing indiscriminately. Two persons were injured though eyewitnesses and police said they were not the real targets. While a bouncer was shot in the leg, the watchman, Dinesh Jha, was hit on the shoulder.
What has baffled the police are the accounts of eyewitnesses, saying the gunmen “seemed to be in no hurry to flee”. After firing 29 rounds, the assailants just walked away.
“Maybe they wanted to show that they were not afraid and that they meant business,” said an officer posted at Juhu police station.
What is also rankling the police is the use of carbines, supposed to be rare in attacks by the underworld. The shootout has the police struggling with the identity of the men and their motive.
One theory doing the rounds is that Hemant Pujari, former aide of underworld don Chhota Rajan, was behind the attack. Crime branch sources conjectured that Pujari’s gang “basically intended to show the gang’s clout and its increasing hold over the city”.
Another conjecture is that the shooters were actually targeting owner Dhananjay Shetty as his brother, Vinod, is believed to have played a key role in the attack on Rajan in Bangkok, which was masterminded by Chhota Shakeel and his hit-man Sharad Shetty.
BULLETS FLY INSIDE MUMBAI DISCO
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Mumbai, Aug. 14:
Revellers at J49, one of Mumbai’s favourite discotheques at Juhu, had barely started rolling in when four armed men stormed in and sprayed bullets.
The attack last night had no apparent target but has struck right at the heart of Mumbai’s partygoers. “Oh god, I am such a regular visitor at J49,’’ said Pinky Shah, a copywriter. “What if I had been there when the shootout happened? I don’t think I’ll go there ever again.”
At about 9.30 pm, four men, some carrying carbines, sauntered into the disco. After surveying the scene, they began firing indiscriminately. Two persons were injured though eyewitnesses and police said they were not the real targets. While a bouncer was shot in the leg, the watchman, Dinesh Jha, was hit on the shoulder.
What has baffled the police are the accounts of eyewitnesses, saying the gunmen “seemed to be in no hurry to flee”. After firing 29 rounds, the assailants just walked away.
“Maybe they wanted to show that they were not afraid and that they meant business,” said an officer posted at Juhu police station.
What is also rankling the police is the use of carbines, supposed to be rare in attacks by the underworld. The shootout has the police struggling with the identity of the men and their motive.
One theory doing the rounds is that Hemant Pujari, former aide of underworld don Chhota Rajan, was behind the attack. Crime branch sources conjectured that Pujari’s gang “basically intended to show the gang’s clout and its increasing hold over the city”.
Another conjecture is that the shooters were actually targeting owner Dhananjay Shetty as his brother, Vinod, is believed to have played a key role in the attack on Rajan in Bangkok, which was masterminded by Chhota Shakeel and his hit-man Sharad Shetty.
#26 Posted by cutandpaste on August 12, 2002 10:24:35 am
Threats Scare Bollywood Producer
Thu Aug 8,10:07 PM ET
By Bryan Pearson
NEW DELHI (Variety) - The producer of India`s most expensive movie -- out on bail awaiting trial for attempted murder -- has sought police protection after receiving fresh extortion threats from the underworld, police said Thursday.
Film financier Bharat Shah complained that ``the mob`` had been calling him ever since ``Devdas`` became one of Bollywood`s few box office hits this year.
Among those making the calls, he told a Bombay radio show Thursday, was underworld kingpin Abu Salem. ``They want to talk about `Devdas` with me,`` Shah said
Pradip Shinde, the head of Bombay`s police anti-extortion unit, said Shah has filed a complaint with his office but has not yet received any security.
``Devdas,`` produced at a cost of 500 million rupees ($10.2 million), has done better than expected both in India and Britain, where there is a large expat Indian population.
Last week the police produced audiotapes taken from phone taps as evidence in Shah`s trial. They say the tapes prove a link between Bollywood and the underworld that stretches far beyond extortion -- to film financing, the awarding of parts and even distribution of the finished product.
Shah is just one of many Bollywood figures who have complained of extortion threats; some now have their own bodyguards.
Bombay court bans publication of taped conversation between alleged mafia figures, Bollywood film personalities
Wed Jul 31,10:09 PM ET
By RAMOLA TALWAR BADAM, Associated Press Writer
BOMBAY, India - Friendly chats a suspected mafia boss allegedly had with popular ``Bollywood`` movie figures have become a hot item for TV talk shows, Internet sites and front-page headlines across India.
So hot that a Bombay court banned the Indian media from further publishing the taped conversations in which threats are made against film figures who refuse to meet mafia demands, and code names — such as Baldy, Fatty and Naked Strongman — are used to gossip about ``Bollywood`` stars.
The conversations became public last week after a police wiretap was played in open court during the trial of Bharat Shah, Bollywood`s biggest film financier.
Defense lawyers argued distribution of conversation transcripts were prejudicing the case, and on Wednesday, Special Court Judge A.P. Bhangale barred further publication of the tapes.
The wiretap is one of 71 tapes now in court custody that have stirred up old rumors and police allegations that the mob controls the world`s most prolific film industry, known as ``Bollywood.``
Shah was arrested last year and charged with hatching a conspiracy with Chotta Shakeel, a suspected mob boss who lives in Pakistan and Dubai, to target film actors. He was released on bail in April and the case against him continues in the Bombay special court.
Shakeel is on a list of 20 terror suspects India has sought from Pakistan. The Bombay police claim they taped Shakeel`s conversations with actor Sanjay Dutt, financier Harish Sugandh and directors Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Gupta.
Indian newspapers and television stations this week have carried transcripts of conversations between Shakeel and leading Bombay celebrities that in parts sound even more theatrical than cheesy Hindi-movie dialogue.
Shakeel, in one transcript made available to The Associated Press, says he likes to frighten only those who challenge him. Otherwise he prefers love, not war.
Defense lawyers complained the trial was being prejudiced by the publicity. ``The conversations have yet to be proved and the identity of the people conducting the conversations has yet to be proved,`` Shah`s lawyer Srikanth Shivpude said Wednesday. ``Internet sites are inviting comments and panel discussions are being held on television about the tapes.``
Shah has denied mafia links and says he has been framed.
``Why should I take money from the underworld?`` Shah told the AP when he was charged last year.
Authorities are confident the charges will stick.
``He (Shah) was aiding and abetting unlawful activities. He was associated with known heads of crime,`` Rohini Salian, the chief public prosecutor, told the AP.
Filmmakers often have complained that criminals force top actors to work in movies they finance in Bollywood, where more than 800 films are produced each year.
Authorities say the organized crime network demands repayment at high interest rates from producers and directors if the movies are flops.
The phone tap records show ``the extent to which the underworld has taken control of the film industry,`` said Judge A.B. Palkar of the Bombay High Court, after he denied Shah bail last year.
Palkar said the tapes reveal how ``how contract killers are employed, how bombs are exploded and how innocent people are killed for nonpayment of ransom.``
The case began in December 2000 with the arrest of film producer Nazim Rizvi, whose film ``Chori Chori, Chupke Chupke`` (Secretly, Quietly) was financed by Shah.
Rizvi was arrested on charges of extortion, links with Shakeel and the attempted murder of film producer Rakesh Roshan in January 2000. Roshan suffered bullet wounds to his arm in the attempt on his life.
Police submitted a dozen tapes which they said showed Rizvi, who is still in jail, giving Shakeel details of the production and release of the films.
Authorities said Shakeel instructed Rizvi to threaten well-known film producer Rakesh Roshan and his son Hrithik Roshan, who is Bollywood`s latest megastar, to agree to act in a film.
``Rizvi and Shakeel had entered into a criminal conspiracy and had plans to attack other film personalities,`` a police statement said.
Mahesh Bhatt, one of India`s top filmmakers, told the AP in an interview earlier this year that the mafia was ``openly, nakedly, blatantly opposing stars and terrorizing people. There is powerlessness in the industry.``
Thu Aug 8,10:07 PM ET
By Bryan Pearson
NEW DELHI (Variety) - The producer of India`s most expensive movie -- out on bail awaiting trial for attempted murder -- has sought police protection after receiving fresh extortion threats from the underworld, police said Thursday.
Film financier Bharat Shah complained that ``the mob`` had been calling him ever since ``Devdas`` became one of Bollywood`s few box office hits this year.
Among those making the calls, he told a Bombay radio show Thursday, was underworld kingpin Abu Salem. ``They want to talk about `Devdas` with me,`` Shah said
Pradip Shinde, the head of Bombay`s police anti-extortion unit, said Shah has filed a complaint with his office but has not yet received any security.
``Devdas,`` produced at a cost of 500 million rupees ($10.2 million), has done better than expected both in India and Britain, where there is a large expat Indian population.
Last week the police produced audiotapes taken from phone taps as evidence in Shah`s trial. They say the tapes prove a link between Bollywood and the underworld that stretches far beyond extortion -- to film financing, the awarding of parts and even distribution of the finished product.
Shah is just one of many Bollywood figures who have complained of extortion threats; some now have their own bodyguards.
Bombay court bans publication of taped conversation between alleged mafia figures, Bollywood film personalities
Wed Jul 31,10:09 PM ET
By RAMOLA TALWAR BADAM, Associated Press Writer
BOMBAY, India - Friendly chats a suspected mafia boss allegedly had with popular ``Bollywood`` movie figures have become a hot item for TV talk shows, Internet sites and front-page headlines across India.
So hot that a Bombay court banned the Indian media from further publishing the taped conversations in which threats are made against film figures who refuse to meet mafia demands, and code names — such as Baldy, Fatty and Naked Strongman — are used to gossip about ``Bollywood`` stars.
The conversations became public last week after a police wiretap was played in open court during the trial of Bharat Shah, Bollywood`s biggest film financier.
Defense lawyers argued distribution of conversation transcripts were prejudicing the case, and on Wednesday, Special Court Judge A.P. Bhangale barred further publication of the tapes.
The wiretap is one of 71 tapes now in court custody that have stirred up old rumors and police allegations that the mob controls the world`s most prolific film industry, known as ``Bollywood.``
Shah was arrested last year and charged with hatching a conspiracy with Chotta Shakeel, a suspected mob boss who lives in Pakistan and Dubai, to target film actors. He was released on bail in April and the case against him continues in the Bombay special court.
Shakeel is on a list of 20 terror suspects India has sought from Pakistan. The Bombay police claim they taped Shakeel`s conversations with actor Sanjay Dutt, financier Harish Sugandh and directors Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Gupta.
Indian newspapers and television stations this week have carried transcripts of conversations between Shakeel and leading Bombay celebrities that in parts sound even more theatrical than cheesy Hindi-movie dialogue.
Shakeel, in one transcript made available to The Associated Press, says he likes to frighten only those who challenge him. Otherwise he prefers love, not war.
Defense lawyers complained the trial was being prejudiced by the publicity. ``The conversations have yet to be proved and the identity of the people conducting the conversations has yet to be proved,`` Shah`s lawyer Srikanth Shivpude said Wednesday. ``Internet sites are inviting comments and panel discussions are being held on television about the tapes.``
Shah has denied mafia links and says he has been framed.
``Why should I take money from the underworld?`` Shah told the AP when he was charged last year.
Authorities are confident the charges will stick.
``He (Shah) was aiding and abetting unlawful activities. He was associated with known heads of crime,`` Rohini Salian, the chief public prosecutor, told the AP.
Filmmakers often have complained that criminals force top actors to work in movies they finance in Bollywood, where more than 800 films are produced each year.
Authorities say the organized crime network demands repayment at high interest rates from producers and directors if the movies are flops.
The phone tap records show ``the extent to which the underworld has taken control of the film industry,`` said Judge A.B. Palkar of the Bombay High Court, after he denied Shah bail last year.
Palkar said the tapes reveal how ``how contract killers are employed, how bombs are exploded and how innocent people are killed for nonpayment of ransom.``
The case began in December 2000 with the arrest of film producer Nazim Rizvi, whose film ``Chori Chori, Chupke Chupke`` (Secretly, Quietly) was financed by Shah.
Rizvi was arrested on charges of extortion, links with Shakeel and the attempted murder of film producer Rakesh Roshan in January 2000. Roshan suffered bullet wounds to his arm in the attempt on his life.
Police submitted a dozen tapes which they said showed Rizvi, who is still in jail, giving Shakeel details of the production and release of the films.
Authorities said Shakeel instructed Rizvi to threaten well-known film producer Rakesh Roshan and his son Hrithik Roshan, who is Bollywood`s latest megastar, to agree to act in a film.
``Rizvi and Shakeel had entered into a criminal conspiracy and had plans to attack other film personalities,`` a police statement said.
Mahesh Bhatt, one of India`s top filmmakers, told the AP in an interview earlier this year that the mafia was ``openly, nakedly, blatantly opposing stars and terrorizing people. There is powerlessness in the industry.``
#25 Posted by Glen on August 11, 2002 3:37:22 am
Hey Arjun_m
NOW THERE ARE BIGGER WORRIES FOR VAJPAYEES ASSISTANT THAN SANJU .......
ITS LIKE CHILD LIEING TO HIS PARENT WHAT A RECK HE CAUSED TO THE CAR WHEN THE PARENT REALLY FINDS IT IT IS UNBELIEVABLE AND ASKS ``MODI ,ARE YOU INSANE ???``
Election what do you think you r doing ...firing some labour from the Ahmedabad cloth mills ...?? seth
LYNGDOH ATTACKS, ADVANI DEFENDS
http://www.telegraphindia.com/images/goto_top.GIF
BASANT RAWAT
Ahmedabad, Aug. 10:
Poll panel slams Gujarat untruths
Chief election commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh today did what the Centre has failed to do ? he called the Gujarat administration?s bluff on the riots.
The poll panel chief, who is touring the state to see if it is ready for elections, lost his cool on finding that district collector Bhagyesh Jha had misled him on the extent of damage in Baroda. Calling Jha a ?joker?, Lyngdoh asked: ?Are you not ashamed of yourself??
Armed with electoral rolls to identify the victims, the chief election commissioner first went to Best Bakery in the Hanuman Tekri area, where 12 people were killed and two went missing on March 1 after a frenzied mob torched the building.
Finding Jha?s information way off witness accounts, he turned to the official. ?You had told me that Best Bakery was set up just two months before the riots, whereas the people here are telling me that it was at least 10 years old. Even the electoral rolls have the names of the victims, and you say that it was set up just two months before the riots! Are you not ashamed of yourself?? he asked.
Earlier in the morning, Lyngdoh had met in-camera the only surviving member of the bakery owner?s family, Zahida, in the circuit house. The family used to live on the floor above the workshop.
The entourage next went to Tarsali, a site not far from Best Bakery, where the team saw 185 burnt houses. Lyngdoh again lashed out at the collector. ?You told me only sporadic violence had taken place. Are you a joker??
Jha?s humiliation began before the Election Commission team set out this morning on a tour of the district?s worst affected areas. Lyngdoh refused to follow the route chalked out by the local administration. Instead, he went to the places that the non-government organisations working with riot victims wanted him to visit, inviting comparisons with predecessor T.N. Seshan, who won many admirers with his principled stand and tenacity.
Refusing to buckle under the pressure the BJP is piling for early polls in Gujarat, Lyngdoh brought the three-member Election Commission for a recce a week after a nine-member poll panel team toured the state. The first team submitted its report today, in which it is understood to have said that the situation is ?not conducive? to immediate polls.
Everyone the commissioners spoke to in Baroda today, opposed early elections. ?Rebuild our houses, you can hold elections tomorrow. Then we will have no objection. But not before each one of us is properly rehabilitated,? Mullauddin said.
Mohammed Hanif, who owned National Bakery and a four-storey building that was razed by a mob in Baranpur, said it would be gross injustice if polls are held before December.
The All India Milli Council told the commission that early elections would amount to a ?murder of democracy?? as 45 lakh Muslims would not be able to exercise their right to vote.
#24 Posted by Shatru Sinha on August 10, 2002 9:49:40 pm
FILM FOLK AND UNDERWORLD: DAMNED IF THEY DO, DAMNED IF THEY DON`T
By Suhel Johar
In the News
The film industry has for long been subject to a reign of terror from assorted bhais, operating mainly from the Gulf and Pakistan. Their names are common knowledge but their specific areas of `interest` are not all that well known. Here, Smashits offers a thumbnail sketch of their `areas of operation` and then reports on the current situation prevailing in Bollywood.
(Dawood Ibrahim`s brother): Invests in films and buys overseas rights. Involved in extortion. Enjoys an enviable clout in the industry. Chhota Shakeel: Involved in extortion but also invests in films. Has many friends in the industry who regularly tip him off. He decides on his prey on the basis of this information. Abu Salem: Basically into extortion and buying of overseas rights. Does not invest his extorted money in films.
Chhota Rajan: More of a financier who prefers to just invest in films. His brother, Deepak Nikalanje, fronting for him, produced `Vaastav`, directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. No extortion or buying of rights for him.
Dawood Ibrahim: He is now in a different league. Has risen above Bollywood; no more filmi chakkars for him.
[Click to learn more...]
Conversations with around 20 filmmakers and stars-all of whom requested anonymity-reveal that they have received calls from the underworld at some point or another. There are some who do not wish to acknowledge this, fearing reprisals from the bhais. ``Everyone is very scared. We know that phones are being tapped. People who get calls from the underworld are in a Catch-22 situation. If they talk politely to the gangsters, they fall foul of the cops, if they don`t, the gangsters have a grouse against them,`` says a leading producer. ``If you hear or read the alleged conversations between leading Bollywood personalities and the underworld you will understand that the friendly talk on the part of the stars, producers and financiers is plainly due to pressure,`` says a prominent actress.
A leading hero says, ``I once got a call from a bhai who said that he wanted me to work in a film being produced by one guy. I told him that I did not have the required dates as I was working for another producer. He immediately told me that that this problem would be tackled by him. What can one do in a situation like this?``
Meanwhile, the government has warned the film industry of the ``serious consequences`` of maintaining links with the underworld. ``The law of the land will be applied and if the allegations against them (film personalities) are proved right, they will be punished,`` Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj has said.
G
By Suhel Johar
In the News
The film industry has for long been subject to a reign of terror from assorted bhais, operating mainly from the Gulf and Pakistan. Their names are common knowledge but their specific areas of `interest` are not all that well known. Here, Smashits offers a thumbnail sketch of their `areas of operation` and then reports on the current situation prevailing in Bollywood.
(Dawood Ibrahim`s brother): Invests in films and buys overseas rights. Involved in extortion. Enjoys an enviable clout in the industry. Chhota Shakeel: Involved in extortion but also invests in films. Has many friends in the industry who regularly tip him off. He decides on his prey on the basis of this information. Abu Salem: Basically into extortion and buying of overseas rights. Does not invest his extorted money in films.
Chhota Rajan: More of a financier who prefers to just invest in films. His brother, Deepak Nikalanje, fronting for him, produced `Vaastav`, directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. No extortion or buying of rights for him.
Dawood Ibrahim: He is now in a different league. Has risen above Bollywood; no more filmi chakkars for him.
[Click to learn more...]
Conversations with around 20 filmmakers and stars-all of whom requested anonymity-reveal that they have received calls from the underworld at some point or another. There are some who do not wish to acknowledge this, fearing reprisals from the bhais. ``Everyone is very scared. We know that phones are being tapped. People who get calls from the underworld are in a Catch-22 situation. If they talk politely to the gangsters, they fall foul of the cops, if they don`t, the gangsters have a grouse against them,`` says a leading producer. ``If you hear or read the alleged conversations between leading Bollywood personalities and the underworld you will understand that the friendly talk on the part of the stars, producers and financiers is plainly due to pressure,`` says a prominent actress.
A leading hero says, ``I once got a call from a bhai who said that he wanted me to work in a film being produced by one guy. I told him that I did not have the required dates as I was working for another producer. He immediately told me that that this problem would be tackled by him. What can one do in a situation like this?``
Meanwhile, the government has warned the film industry of the ``serious consequences`` of maintaining links with the underworld. ``The law of the land will be applied and if the allegations against them (film personalities) are proved right, they will be punished,`` Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj has said.
G
#22 Posted by arjun_m on August 10, 2002 5:36:31 pm
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#21 Posted by bundchungal on August 10, 2002 2:32:47 pm
Glen (#20), You are a real nut case, just like your father, the terrorist Sanjay Dutt.
You can go on self beating, if it pleases you. But it has made you blind as you clearly cannot distinguish right from wrong.
Hey Charley, what the hell is Bharat Rakhshak?
Oh? is Salim Durrani still alive? I thought the terrorists would have gotten him by now?
Get a life Dude!!!!
You can go on self beating, if it pleases you. But it has made you blind as you clearly cannot distinguish right from wrong.
Hey Charley, what the hell is Bharat Rakhshak?
Oh? is Salim Durrani still alive? I thought the terrorists would have gotten him by now?
Get a life Dude!!!!
#20 Posted by Glen on August 9, 2002 7:40:38 pm
Band Dimaagh #19
``.....Finally, do not spew your hatred on this site. .......................``
Why?
Just b/c you feel shy of Pakistani Forum?
As if i should go & quietly murmur in your ears on Bharat Rakhshak ?
If you love even an iota of secularism & national integration speak against what is happening in the land of Azad Zakir & Fakhruddin & Salim Durrani ,Abbas Ali Baig ,Munsoorul Ali Khan,Syed Kirmani ,Syed Amir Ali ,Abdul amid ,Lt.Lateef ,Shah Nawaz ,Ali Brothers ....& not 5 movies only on Bhagat Singh b/c Sanghi want that .
#19 Posted by bundchungal on August 9, 2002 5:21:17 pm
Glen (#17), you sorry excuse for a human being!!! You seem to be just another fanatical, mindless, supporter of that TERR0RI$T who known to every body as Sanjay Dutt. First, how can you be so sure that Sanju “Bhai” is NOT a terr0ri$t. It seems that a half a$$ scoundrel “bhia” of yours was caught with his pants down. Face it, it is plain and simple. The tapes are incriminating indeed, but his past record is even more incriminating. He and many others like him in the Indian film industry are pawns of goondas like Chota Shakeel and Dawood Ibrahim. Now accept that, bhai!! Kyun sab ke saamne aur bhi bevakoof banna chata hai?
Also, don’t try to pick a fight with me. You will end up frustrated and will just hide in a dark corner and engage in self beating!! You seem like the type to maStubate when the going gets tough.
To use your “bhai’s” expression, so that you can understand better:
Are bhai, kyon bawal machata hai? Sanju Bhai to terr0ri$t hai. Usko punishment deneko mangta. Par sab badmashshon ko pakade ga. Kyun khali-peeli bum marta hai?
As far as SIMI is concerned, you are very correct in pointing out that they are a terrorist outfit. I used to know many members of SIMI (a few years ago) and they confidentially shared with me their aims to destabilize India. You are also correct in pointing out that AMU is also a hotbed of wannabe terr0ri$t, although I must point out to you that not all at AMU alumni are terr0ri$ts. You should know this and correct the info in your database.
[You have lost all credibility NOW ANY ACCUSATION BY INDIAN GOVT IN MY EYES IS COMMUNAL TAINTED & PERSECUTATORY .]
Who cares what you think? You are a non-entity in everybody’s eyes. To you I say, wrt to the current issue, $HIT BY ANY OTHER NAME WILL SMELL JUST LIKE YOU. Kitna bhi naha-dho lo sooar to sooar he rahega, Kyun na, bhai??!!!
[Dawood Ibrahim & all Indian Muslims in India are criminal according to you & Sangh Parivar who have usurped the secular India of Azad Zakir & Fahruddin Ali Ahmed.]
I never claimed that all Muslims in India are criminals. That is a hurtful sentiment and that accusation is baseless. Also, I have not usurped anything. First of all, it seems that you do not know the meaning of the word secular? You seem to like to use that word, but apparently you do not know what you think it means. Please note that India is a secular country, whereas Pakistan is not. In India all religious beliefs are accepted and allowed to be practiced, whereas in Pakistan only Islam is the accepted religion. So do not talk to me about secularism. Also, don’t talk to me about Azad Zakir & Fahruddin Ali Ahmed. They were earlier Presidents of the same country that Abdul Kalam is now the president of. If you want to learn about secularism learn it from Dr. Abdul Kalam!!
Finally, do not spew your hatred on this site.
Also, don’t try to pick a fight with me. You will end up frustrated and will just hide in a dark corner and engage in self beating!! You seem like the type to maStubate when the going gets tough.
To use your “bhai’s” expression, so that you can understand better:
Are bhai, kyon bawal machata hai? Sanju Bhai to terr0ri$t hai. Usko punishment deneko mangta. Par sab badmashshon ko pakade ga. Kyun khali-peeli bum marta hai?
As far as SIMI is concerned, you are very correct in pointing out that they are a terrorist outfit. I used to know many members of SIMI (a few years ago) and they confidentially shared with me their aims to destabilize India. You are also correct in pointing out that AMU is also a hotbed of wannabe terr0ri$t, although I must point out to you that not all at AMU alumni are terr0ri$ts. You should know this and correct the info in your database.
[You have lost all credibility NOW ANY ACCUSATION BY INDIAN GOVT IN MY EYES IS COMMUNAL TAINTED & PERSECUTATORY .]
Who cares what you think? You are a non-entity in everybody’s eyes. To you I say, wrt to the current issue, $HIT BY ANY OTHER NAME WILL SMELL JUST LIKE YOU. Kitna bhi naha-dho lo sooar to sooar he rahega, Kyun na, bhai??!!!
[Dawood Ibrahim & all Indian Muslims in India are criminal according to you & Sangh Parivar who have usurped the secular India of Azad Zakir & Fahruddin Ali Ahmed.]
I never claimed that all Muslims in India are criminals. That is a hurtful sentiment and that accusation is baseless. Also, I have not usurped anything. First of all, it seems that you do not know the meaning of the word secular? You seem to like to use that word, but apparently you do not know what you think it means. Please note that India is a secular country, whereas Pakistan is not. In India all religious beliefs are accepted and allowed to be practiced, whereas in Pakistan only Islam is the accepted religion. So do not talk to me about secularism. Also, don’t talk to me about Azad Zakir & Fahruddin Ali Ahmed. They were earlier Presidents of the same country that Abdul Kalam is now the president of. If you want to learn about secularism learn it from Dr. Abdul Kalam!!
Finally, do not spew your hatred on this site.
#18 Posted by Glen on August 9, 2002 11:36:30 am
#13
Band dimaagh
``.....Sanjay Dutt, is a terrorist, plain and simple. He should be tried and punished like any other two bit criminal.....``
Dawood Ibrahim & all Indian Muslims in India are criminal according to you & Sangh Parivar who have usurped the secular India of Azad Zakir & Fahruddin Ali Ahmed.
First arrest & punish Bigger than Dawood & chota Shakeel THE GOWLE & NAIK who are REAL terrorist in Mumbai
All of a sudden Simi is terrorist Indias first foremost University AMU is now Terrorist den if i were to believe nincompoop sanghi like you .
You have lost all credibility NOW ANY ACCUSATION BY INDIAN GOVT IN MY EYES IS COMMUNAL TAINTED & PERSECUTATORY .
After giving favour to Samata,s Nitish... Railway ministry for covering up Godhra engineered PROGROM for Modis genocide ....YOU ALL ARE SUSPECT.not ``TERRORIST``
#17 Posted by Glen on August 9, 2002 11:36:30 am
#17
Band dimaagh
``.....Sanjay Dutt, is a terrorist, plain and simple. He should be tried and punished like any other two bit criminal.....``
Dawood Ibrahim & all Indian Muslims in India are criminal according to you & Sangh Parivar who have usurped the secular India of Azad Zakir & Fahruddin Ali Ahmed.
First arrest & punish Bigger than Dawood & chota Shakeel THE GOWLE & NAIK who are REAL terrorist in Mumbai
All of a sudden Simi is terrorist Indias first foremost University AMU is now Terrorist den if i were to believe nincompoop sanghi like you .
You have lost all credibility NOW ANY ACCUSATION BY INDIAN GOVT IN MY EYES IS COMMUNAL TAINTED & PERSECUTATORY .
After giving favour to Samata,s Nitish... Railway ministry for covering up Godhra engineered PROGROM for Modis genocide ....YOU ALL ARE SUSPECT.not ``TERRORIST``
#15 Posted by Ras Siddiqui on August 9, 2002 12:01:36 am
CHOWK Editors
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#14 Posted by ali1 on August 8, 2002 8:03:19 pm
What/who compelled chowk to publish this junk? Also, what is the circulation of Mid-day in Bombay?
Here is the probable conversation, which led to the publication of this article!
CS: Haa
SD: Ji Bhai
CS: Haa aur...
SD: Bas first-class Bhai
CS: Abhi chowk.com ko bola kya?
SD: Ji bola Bhai
CS: Bolna saloo ko abhi mera article top per lagao
SD: Ji Ji Bhai
CS: Nahi to unki garam hava thandi kardonga, Haa
SD: Unko maloom hai bhai
CS: bahut garam hava marta hai yeh log
Here is the probable conversation, which led to the publication of this article!
CS: Haa
SD: Ji Bhai
CS: Haa aur...
SD: Bas first-class Bhai
CS: Abhi chowk.com ko bola kya?
SD: Ji bola Bhai
CS: Bolna saloo ko abhi mera article top per lagao
SD: Ji Ji Bhai
CS: Nahi to unki garam hava thandi kardonga, Haa
SD: Unko maloom hai bhai
CS: bahut garam hava marta hai yeh log
#13 Posted by bundchungal on August 8, 2002 8:03:19 pm
Shatru Sinha,(#8) you are just full of it. You seem to be speaking out of your arse!! That is why there is so much stink in your words. Hey Charley, it does not matter who is the father-in-law of Hritick!!! That is not the point!! This fellow, Sanjay Dutt, is a terrorist, plain and simple. He should be tried and punished like any other two bit criminal.
Also, do not deviate from the topic. What does David Frawley and the other gurus-swamis you quoted have anything to do with terrorism. If your accusations against them can be proved then they should be also tried. But there is no accusation or proof against them. There IS, however, ample proof against Sanjay Dutt, and now he must face the music.
Also, rsaxena’s comment “...sanjay dutt and the other monkeys and fatasses from bollywood can go jump into a sewer...who cares...” is most apt!! Sunjay Dutt is a non entity. He is the scum of the earth, just like Chota Shakeel and his mongrels, including Dawood Ibhrahim & Co.
Incidentally, why are you so eager to support the terrorist Sanjay Dutt??? You seem to be a devoted fan of this washed up non-entity of an actor.
Also, do not deviate from the topic. What does David Frawley and the other gurus-swamis you quoted have anything to do with terrorism. If your accusations against them can be proved then they should be also tried. But there is no accusation or proof against them. There IS, however, ample proof against Sanjay Dutt, and now he must face the music.
Also, rsaxena’s comment “...sanjay dutt and the other monkeys and fatasses from bollywood can go jump into a sewer...who cares...” is most apt!! Sunjay Dutt is a non entity. He is the scum of the earth, just like Chota Shakeel and his mongrels, including Dawood Ibhrahim & Co.
Incidentally, why are you so eager to support the terrorist Sanjay Dutt??? You seem to be a devoted fan of this washed up non-entity of an actor.
#12 Posted by cutandpaste on August 8, 2002 4:27:42 pm
NPR`s Eric Weiner reports on India`s film industry - the largest in the world. ``Bollywood`` produces hundreds of schmaltzy musicals every year. So far, the audience has been limited to India and the diaspora. But now Bollywood is making its mark on the world stage, with an Oscar nominee, critically acclaimed films and a new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Some Western actors are even showing up in Bombay, hoping to get their big break.
#10 Posted by soundmeister on August 8, 2002 4:12:24 am
Boring.
Could mean anything. Could mean nothing.
What`s the point?
Could mean anything. Could mean nothing.
What`s the point?
#9 Posted by rsaxena on August 7, 2002 7:44:22 pm
...sanjay dutt and the other monkeys and fatasses from bollywood can go jump into a sewer...who cares...
#8 Posted by Shatru Sinha on August 7, 2002 6:54:19 pm
Reply #: 7 bundchungal
Bandchungal
When a child is born Bumndchungal it is considered miser mean & stingy .....Hope you change your mean nick .
Why would propsperous film star jeopardize his luxurious life EXCEPT for higher more important goal of PRESRVING HIS OWN LIFE?Its better to live than be DEAD at any cost.
btw Sanjay Khan is Hrithiks Father in Law
You dont declare him terrorist too do you ???
Suburban Whites and Pogroms in India
http://www.zmag.org/sustainers/content/2002-07/14prashad.cfm
By Vijay Prashad
Every few years I teach a class called ``Hippies.`` The main theme of the course is to follow the white, suburban middle-class in its homage to Asia - from the 1967 Summer of Love debut of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his Transcendental Mediation to the 1990s version via Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama.
We study the genuine sense of malaise among suburban youth (the condition that Paul Goodman called ``Growing Up Absurd``), but we also tend to the way in which ``Asia`` functions as an alibi for a politics to transcend the condition of the suburb. A bumper sticker that says ``Free Tibet`` seems to offer an entry into a transcendental politics, far removed from the social melancholy of suburban life.
Does Tibet or Hinduism offer a coherent program to reconstruct the oppression of suburban capitalism? My own sense is that it facilitates an escape from the rigors of our world. The conceit that whites have no culture and that they can get cultural from this tryst with Asia also contributes to the continued fascination with the surface and/or spiritual level of Asian cultures.
When Gwen Stefani of No Doubt or Madonna can wear a bindi and get accolades for it, those thousands of South Asian girls and women who get teased in school and at work for the ``dot`` on their forehead feel rightfully bitter and angry.
I`ve got nothing against cultural borrowings because I believe that culture comes without boundaries, without discrete origins and it does anyway move across the frail boundaries set-up by one cultural orthodoxy or another. Polycultural existences or cultural fluidity is inevitable.
But what do we do about the romantic entry of suburban whites into Hinduism when many of the organs that disseminate the faith are linked to the groups that conduct pogroms against Muslims in India?
Are ``curiosity`` and ``respect`` sufficient grounds for the entry of the suburban white into the theocratic fascism of these variations of faith?
In a perfect world, yes, but not in this one.
For about a decade, Biju Mathew (best known for his work with the New York Taxi Workers` Association) and I have conducted research on the Hindutva Right in the US and we`ve found that millions of dollars travel each year through illegal and legal networks to finance right-wing activity in the subcontinent.
This long-distance theocratic fascism was part of the destruction of the mosque at Ayodhya in 1992, the anti-Christian riots in Gujarat a few years ago, and now, certainly, in the state-engineered pogrom against Muslims in Gujarat where at least two thousand people died.
Kanwal Rekhi, a neoliberal entrepreneur, co-wrote a powerful opinion piece in the Washington Post (22 May 2002):
``Many overseas Indian Hindus, including some in this country, finance religious groups in India in the belief that the funds will be used to build temples, and educate and feed the poor of their faith. Many would be appalled to know that some recipients of their money are out to destroy minorities (Christians as well as Muslims) and their places of worship. Mr. Vajpayee could deal a severe blow to such covert causes by simply labeling them as terrorists.``
What Rekhi missed was that it was not only ``Indian Hindus`` who financed the pogrom, but also many suburban whites who uncritically join temples and other such organizations. They give the Hindutva Right money certainly, but also the much needed legitimacy of white followers in the movement.
Of course the bulk of the saffron dollars comes from the Indian-American community, but the suburban whites who don the robes of Hindutva give prestige and legitimacy to the movement. The legacy and persistence of racism provides respect to any artifact or institution of color that is worn or frequented by whites.
This was the reason, for instance, why it was so important for the erstwhile right-wing Dharam Hinduja Indic Research Center at Columbia University to attract large numbers of white scholars for its project to whitewash Hindutva. Many came, mainly white women who study various aspects of Hinduism and are themselves very well known and otherwise respected scholars of Indology. Eager for cash, they disregarded the role they played for Hindutva, just as those whites who become Hindus in this day and age do not actively engage with the crucial role Hindutva plays within global Hinduism.
Let`s stay with the Hinduja institute. Funded by the arms-dealer and industrialist S. P. Hinduja, the center is named for his late son Dharam. Dharam, a Wharton graduate, fell in love with and married an Anglo-Indian Catholic woman whom he wanted to marry. Adamantly opposed to it, the family chased him off and, as a result, he committed suicide in 1992.
Those so-called ``Hindu values`` that would not accept the child`s desire to live as a human being in a complex world were now to be cruelly sanctified in a research institute that bears his name. Even as Columbia University abandoned the money after sustained protest by secular forces, Cambridge University continues to host such a center (there is also one in New Delhi).
And the suburban whites in the Hindutva Right movement are not only followers, because a few of them are important leaders. This should come as no surprise to those of us who have been accosted by ISCKON workers (the ``Hare Krishnas``) in airports and other places. Two of the main grandees are men who converted to Hinduism, became important intellectuals of the Hindutva movement and now flog the ideology via the Internet, in their books and periodicals:
(1) David Frawley, aka Swami Vamdev. Frawley is affiliated with various theocratic fascist organizations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Hindu Students Council (HSC) and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) - all three arms of the global Hindutva movement whose teeth were bared in Gujarat recently. In 1996, Frawley traveled across England as an honored guest of the VHP.
From Arise Arjuna (1995) to Hinduism and the Clash of Civilizations (2001), Frawley offers a Huntingtonian analysis of the clash between Islam (bad) and Christianity (almost good), with Hinduism being the necessary ally of the good. The anti-Muslim tenor of his books is also evident in his works on ancient India (such as Gods, Sages and Kings, 1991) where Frawley joins a series of theocratic fascists to argue that Vedic India was bliss and that everything since then has been a disaster.
(2) Satuguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami and Satguru Bodhinatha Velanswami. Founders of the magazine Hinduism Today and of the ashram in Hawaii that houses the Hindu Heritage Endowment, these two swamis (Satguru or Gurudev has since died) have very close ties to the VHP. Their materials regularly quote approvingly from VHP documents and the money raised by the HHE goes toward Hindutva activities.
There is, of course, nothing inherently wrong with the pursuit of spirituality under the sign of Hinduism; indeed there is perhaps much to be gained from it. However, as Hindutva-style cruelty devastates the landscape of Indian life, it is imperative for those who claim Hinduism to offer ruthless criticism of global Hindutva.
If you attend a temple, ask the priests and others about their relationship with the pogrom in Gujarat: and don`t take their denials at face value. Demand to see the account books, investigate the guests who come and speak to the members, find out if any group like the HSS runs the show. Do not allow liberal multiculturalism to give global Hindutva cover from secular forces.
Finally, as global Hindutva tries to get United Way clearance and as its front organs try to pose as charitable organizations, be ready to fight them all the way. The current exchange rate is fifty rupees for one dollar. Even a few greenbacks translate into crucial resources in impoverished zones and become a saffron bludgeon against the Indian masses.
Bandchungal
When a child is born Bumndchungal it is considered miser mean & stingy .....Hope you change your mean nick .
Why would propsperous film star jeopardize his luxurious life EXCEPT for higher more important goal of PRESRVING HIS OWN LIFE?Its better to live than be DEAD at any cost.
btw Sanjay Khan is Hrithiks Father in Law
You dont declare him terrorist too do you ???
Suburban Whites and Pogroms in India
http://www.zmag.org/sustainers/content/2002-07/14prashad.cfm
By Vijay Prashad
Every few years I teach a class called ``Hippies.`` The main theme of the course is to follow the white, suburban middle-class in its homage to Asia - from the 1967 Summer of Love debut of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his Transcendental Mediation to the 1990s version via Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama.
We study the genuine sense of malaise among suburban youth (the condition that Paul Goodman called ``Growing Up Absurd``), but we also tend to the way in which ``Asia`` functions as an alibi for a politics to transcend the condition of the suburb. A bumper sticker that says ``Free Tibet`` seems to offer an entry into a transcendental politics, far removed from the social melancholy of suburban life.
Does Tibet or Hinduism offer a coherent program to reconstruct the oppression of suburban capitalism? My own sense is that it facilitates an escape from the rigors of our world. The conceit that whites have no culture and that they can get cultural from this tryst with Asia also contributes to the continued fascination with the surface and/or spiritual level of Asian cultures.
When Gwen Stefani of No Doubt or Madonna can wear a bindi and get accolades for it, those thousands of South Asian girls and women who get teased in school and at work for the ``dot`` on their forehead feel rightfully bitter and angry.
I`ve got nothing against cultural borrowings because I believe that culture comes without boundaries, without discrete origins and it does anyway move across the frail boundaries set-up by one cultural orthodoxy or another. Polycultural existences or cultural fluidity is inevitable.
But what do we do about the romantic entry of suburban whites into Hinduism when many of the organs that disseminate the faith are linked to the groups that conduct pogroms against Muslims in India?
Are ``curiosity`` and ``respect`` sufficient grounds for the entry of the suburban white into the theocratic fascism of these variations of faith?
In a perfect world, yes, but not in this one.
For about a decade, Biju Mathew (best known for his work with the New York Taxi Workers` Association) and I have conducted research on the Hindutva Right in the US and we`ve found that millions of dollars travel each year through illegal and legal networks to finance right-wing activity in the subcontinent.
This long-distance theocratic fascism was part of the destruction of the mosque at Ayodhya in 1992, the anti-Christian riots in Gujarat a few years ago, and now, certainly, in the state-engineered pogrom against Muslims in Gujarat where at least two thousand people died.
Kanwal Rekhi, a neoliberal entrepreneur, co-wrote a powerful opinion piece in the Washington Post (22 May 2002):
``Many overseas Indian Hindus, including some in this country, finance religious groups in India in the belief that the funds will be used to build temples, and educate and feed the poor of their faith. Many would be appalled to know that some recipients of their money are out to destroy minorities (Christians as well as Muslims) and their places of worship. Mr. Vajpayee could deal a severe blow to such covert causes by simply labeling them as terrorists.``
What Rekhi missed was that it was not only ``Indian Hindus`` who financed the pogrom, but also many suburban whites who uncritically join temples and other such organizations. They give the Hindutva Right money certainly, but also the much needed legitimacy of white followers in the movement.
Of course the bulk of the saffron dollars comes from the Indian-American community, but the suburban whites who don the robes of Hindutva give prestige and legitimacy to the movement. The legacy and persistence of racism provides respect to any artifact or institution of color that is worn or frequented by whites.
This was the reason, for instance, why it was so important for the erstwhile right-wing Dharam Hinduja Indic Research Center at Columbia University to attract large numbers of white scholars for its project to whitewash Hindutva. Many came, mainly white women who study various aspects of Hinduism and are themselves very well known and otherwise respected scholars of Indology. Eager for cash, they disregarded the role they played for Hindutva, just as those whites who become Hindus in this day and age do not actively engage with the crucial role Hindutva plays within global Hinduism.
Let`s stay with the Hinduja institute. Funded by the arms-dealer and industrialist S. P. Hinduja, the center is named for his late son Dharam. Dharam, a Wharton graduate, fell in love with and married an Anglo-Indian Catholic woman whom he wanted to marry. Adamantly opposed to it, the family chased him off and, as a result, he committed suicide in 1992.
Those so-called ``Hindu values`` that would not accept the child`s desire to live as a human being in a complex world were now to be cruelly sanctified in a research institute that bears his name. Even as Columbia University abandoned the money after sustained protest by secular forces, Cambridge University continues to host such a center (there is also one in New Delhi).
And the suburban whites in the Hindutva Right movement are not only followers, because a few of them are important leaders. This should come as no surprise to those of us who have been accosted by ISCKON workers (the ``Hare Krishnas``) in airports and other places. Two of the main grandees are men who converted to Hinduism, became important intellectuals of the Hindutva movement and now flog the ideology via the Internet, in their books and periodicals:
(1) David Frawley, aka Swami Vamdev. Frawley is affiliated with various theocratic fascist organizations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Hindu Students Council (HSC) and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) - all three arms of the global Hindutva movement whose teeth were bared in Gujarat recently. In 1996, Frawley traveled across England as an honored guest of the VHP.
From Arise Arjuna (1995) to Hinduism and the Clash of Civilizations (2001), Frawley offers a Huntingtonian analysis of the clash between Islam (bad) and Christianity (almost good), with Hinduism being the necessary ally of the good. The anti-Muslim tenor of his books is also evident in his works on ancient India (such as Gods, Sages and Kings, 1991) where Frawley joins a series of theocratic fascists to argue that Vedic India was bliss and that everything since then has been a disaster.
(2) Satuguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami and Satguru Bodhinatha Velanswami. Founders of the magazine Hinduism Today and of the ashram in Hawaii that houses the Hindu Heritage Endowment, these two swamis (Satguru or Gurudev has since died) have very close ties to the VHP. Their materials regularly quote approvingly from VHP documents and the money raised by the HHE goes toward Hindutva activities.
There is, of course, nothing inherently wrong with the pursuit of spirituality under the sign of Hinduism; indeed there is perhaps much to be gained from it. However, as Hindutva-style cruelty devastates the landscape of Indian life, it is imperative for those who claim Hinduism to offer ruthless criticism of global Hindutva.
If you attend a temple, ask the priests and others about their relationship with the pogrom in Gujarat: and don`t take their denials at face value. Demand to see the account books, investigate the guests who come and speak to the members, find out if any group like the HSS runs the show. Do not allow liberal multiculturalism to give global Hindutva cover from secular forces.
Finally, as global Hindutva tries to get United Way clearance and as its front organs try to pose as charitable organizations, be ready to fight them all the way. The current exchange rate is fifty rupees for one dollar. Even a few greenbacks translate into crucial resources in impoverished zones and become a saffron bludgeon against the Indian masses.
#7 Posted by Romair on August 7, 2002 5:39:39 pm
Does this indicate that Sunjay Dutt`s career is over? Or does his mystique grow furthur? Is Chota Shakeel in Karachi? Is there a Barra Shakeel, also? And why is this important?
The mystery continues.......
The mystery continues.......
#6 Posted by bundchungal on August 7, 2002 5:39:39 pm
Sanjay Dutt is a terrorist. It has nothing to do with his Mom being Muslim. If you read his Mom`s biography you will know how badly he treated her, when she was on his death bed. Furthermore, why does he have to have any AK-47 stored in his house? The only civilians who have such weapons are those with terrorist intentions. Sanjay Dutt was cought with a cache of such weapons just a few years ago. That is why he was a terrorist then and he is a terrorist now. He is a social deviant and is all hand and golve with Chota Shakeel and other such goondas who are based in Pakistan and the Middle East.
Sanjay Khan has no credible defence.
Sanjay Khan has no credible defence.
#5 Posted by Shatru Sinha on August 7, 2002 4:14:33 pm
Reply #: 4 fawad79
Reply #: 3 aicha
Reply #: 2 aicha<
Reply #: 1Shatru Sinha
FAWAD
Sanjay Dutt is actor whose mother was Muslim Nargis ,thats why all the Shiv Sena & Bjp focus on him.
Aicha
Agree with you ..if Mr.Prasd Patil is diplomatically carefull to remain SILENT here is some start up discussions
Bollywood connection with the underworld
Relations between the Bollywood and Mumbai`s underworld was never a secret, at least for the Mumbai police. However, it is a shocker for common people to know how much close these two worlds are. The number of films on Mumbai`s underworld and subtle glorification of bad boys like `Nayk Nahi Khalanayak HumMein` have recently increased. Is it film depicting the reality from the underworld or now underworld copying stereotype characters seen in large number of Hindi movies?
The kind of conversations between filmy heroes and the underworld dons have been played on national news channels and heardby large number of unsuspecting viewers. They wondered whether they were hearing some sound track of a new Hindi movie. The reason was both the heroes and the underworld dons used the kind of lingo normally reserved for Mumbai`s underworld by the Bollywood script-writers.
Tapes heard by viewers were actual conversations recorded by sleuths of Mumbai police between Bollywood`s hero-turned Khalnayak and underworld don Chhota Shakeel known for his total influence over the film world in Mumbai. Media got its hand on these controversial tapes between Karachi-based don Chhota Shakeel and Hindi film actor Sanjay Dutt who had played the role of a Khalnayak. It is different to play the role of a bad boy in a film and do it in thereal. Along with Dutt, director Mahesh Manjarekar, Sanjay Gupta and others were also recorded on the tapes while the gang was on its way to Shirdi in 2000.
These conversations certainly throw enough light on the nefarious nexus between film world and the underworld. Theyshow directors falling over each other to depict the underworld don in the film, help him maintaining his influence, give him info, show fear of his sharp shooters and scant respect for the law of the land. Whether these tapes are of any help in the ongoing case against film financer Bharat Shah is for the court to decide.Tapes make people aware of this nefarious link between Bollywood and the underworld.
The Maharashtra government as well as the Mumbai police are coming under increasing pressure to initiate action against these top shots who openly talked to the Karachi-based don. If Bharat Shah can be put behind the bar for his recorded conversations with underworld don, then why these film personalities should be let go free. Police produced these tapes to prove that Bharat Shah has been working for Chhota Shakeel and financing films on his instructions.
These tapes have also created more difficult situation for Sanjay Dutt, son of Congress MP Sunil Dutt. Media and people have almost forgotten about TADA case against Sanjay Dutt during 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai city when he allegedly possessed AK-47 machine gun. With great difficulty and lots of string pulling, he was released on bail while other TADA detainees continued to remain behind bars. One of the conditions was he will not keep any contact with the underworld which helped him to get the gun during troubled times. With the revelation of new tapes recorded in December 2000, it is clear that Sanjay was in constant touch with Chhota Shakeel even after repeated court warnings.
The Congress Party has been put on a defensive mode due to the controversial Sanjay Dutt-Chhota Shakeel tapes, as the party is aware of the effect these disclosures could have on the Gujarat elections. TheMaharashtra government is also going very slow on dealing with the new revelations. Deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal has blamed the previous Shiv Sena-BJP alliance government in the state for releasing Sanjay Dutt when he was behind bars under TADA.
Congress stalwarts are worried over the exposure of Sanjay Dutt in the tapes. Who could have leaked these tapes, they wonder and they realise the importance of timing. The needle of suspicion is obviously pointed towards the NCP operatives who are at the helm of the affairs of the home department. Bhujbal has washed off his hands saying that it is for the police to decide at the instance of the court, about the next step. Congress MP Sunil Dutt is all set to unleash his `Sadbhavna ke sipahi` march on Gujarat by the month end. The controversy over Sanjay tape can create problems for the proposed march.
Authorities have been talking about the nexus between filmdom and underworld for quite long but so far no steps have been taken. From the conversations available on the recorded tapes, it is clear that the underworld is quite entrenched and the filmdom is in vice like grip. Most of the film personalities blame terroras the main weapon used by the underworld to force many people to join their schemes by force. Film stars ask whether they can save themselves by going to police when they get extortionist calls or dictates from the underworld. They do not feel safe to go to police and lodge complaints as they know that the underworld`s tentacles have reached everywhere and they can harm them professionally.
Under such circumstances, unless the authorities really take up a massive clean up operation to weed out these underworld connections nothing can be done. This is not merely a link between the dream city and the underworld but it can go much further and harm the national security. These Karachi-based underworld dons are not merely interested in making a few more bucks or find themselves glorified on the celluloid. They are actually kingpins of the dreaded undeclared war launched by neighbouring state of Pakistan. Investigations are still on and even the cases are still lingering in courts on the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai city, which killed several innocents. Pakistani intelligence used the unsuspecting underworld links to accomplish their target of attacking vital installations in the commercial capital of the country.
The state authorities might find it difficult to deal with dons who operate from an enemy country and keep on killing people and influencing Bollywood from a distance. It is not merely providing protection to a few top actors or actresses but it is a serious business of unearthing links these underworld dons have developed without any inhibitions. It will require political will to hit out at the guilty and in the process even political bigwigs may be hit. The question is: are we prepared for such kind of aclean-up to save not only Bollywood but also the state and city from the vicious grip of these underworld dons.
Reply #: 3 aicha
Reply #: 2 aicha<
Reply #: 1Shatru Sinha
FAWAD
Sanjay Dutt is actor whose mother was Muslim Nargis ,thats why all the Shiv Sena & Bjp focus on him.
Aicha
Agree with you ..if Mr.Prasd Patil is diplomatically carefull to remain SILENT here is some start up discussions
Bollywood connection with the underworld
Relations between the Bollywood and Mumbai`s underworld was never a secret, at least for the Mumbai police. However, it is a shocker for common people to know how much close these two worlds are. The number of films on Mumbai`s underworld and subtle glorification of bad boys like `Nayk Nahi Khalanayak HumMein` have recently increased. Is it film depicting the reality from the underworld or now underworld copying stereotype characters seen in large number of Hindi movies?
The kind of conversations between filmy heroes and the underworld dons have been played on national news channels and heardby large number of unsuspecting viewers. They wondered whether they were hearing some sound track of a new Hindi movie. The reason was both the heroes and the underworld dons used the kind of lingo normally reserved for Mumbai`s underworld by the Bollywood script-writers.
Tapes heard by viewers were actual conversations recorded by sleuths of Mumbai police between Bollywood`s hero-turned Khalnayak and underworld don Chhota Shakeel known for his total influence over the film world in Mumbai. Media got its hand on these controversial tapes between Karachi-based don Chhota Shakeel and Hindi film actor Sanjay Dutt who had played the role of a Khalnayak. It is different to play the role of a bad boy in a film and do it in thereal. Along with Dutt, director Mahesh Manjarekar, Sanjay Gupta and others were also recorded on the tapes while the gang was on its way to Shirdi in 2000.
These conversations certainly throw enough light on the nefarious nexus between film world and the underworld. Theyshow directors falling over each other to depict the underworld don in the film, help him maintaining his influence, give him info, show fear of his sharp shooters and scant respect for the law of the land. Whether these tapes are of any help in the ongoing case against film financer Bharat Shah is for the court to decide.Tapes make people aware of this nefarious link between Bollywood and the underworld.
The Maharashtra government as well as the Mumbai police are coming under increasing pressure to initiate action against these top shots who openly talked to the Karachi-based don. If Bharat Shah can be put behind the bar for his recorded conversations with underworld don, then why these film personalities should be let go free. Police produced these tapes to prove that Bharat Shah has been working for Chhota Shakeel and financing films on his instructions.
These tapes have also created more difficult situation for Sanjay Dutt, son of Congress MP Sunil Dutt. Media and people have almost forgotten about TADA case against Sanjay Dutt during 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai city when he allegedly possessed AK-47 machine gun. With great difficulty and lots of string pulling, he was released on bail while other TADA detainees continued to remain behind bars. One of the conditions was he will not keep any contact with the underworld which helped him to get the gun during troubled times. With the revelation of new tapes recorded in December 2000, it is clear that Sanjay was in constant touch with Chhota Shakeel even after repeated court warnings.
The Congress Party has been put on a defensive mode due to the controversial Sanjay Dutt-Chhota Shakeel tapes, as the party is aware of the effect these disclosures could have on the Gujarat elections. TheMaharashtra government is also going very slow on dealing with the new revelations. Deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal has blamed the previous Shiv Sena-BJP alliance government in the state for releasing Sanjay Dutt when he was behind bars under TADA.
Congress stalwarts are worried over the exposure of Sanjay Dutt in the tapes. Who could have leaked these tapes, they wonder and they realise the importance of timing. The needle of suspicion is obviously pointed towards the NCP operatives who are at the helm of the affairs of the home department. Bhujbal has washed off his hands saying that it is for the police to decide at the instance of the court, about the next step. Congress MP Sunil Dutt is all set to unleash his `Sadbhavna ke sipahi` march on Gujarat by the month end. The controversy over Sanjay tape can create problems for the proposed march.
Authorities have been talking about the nexus between filmdom and underworld for quite long but so far no steps have been taken. From the conversations available on the recorded tapes, it is clear that the underworld is quite entrenched and the filmdom is in vice like grip. Most of the film personalities blame terroras the main weapon used by the underworld to force many people to join their schemes by force. Film stars ask whether they can save themselves by going to police when they get extortionist calls or dictates from the underworld. They do not feel safe to go to police and lodge complaints as they know that the underworld`s tentacles have reached everywhere and they can harm them professionally.
Under such circumstances, unless the authorities really take up a massive clean up operation to weed out these underworld connections nothing can be done. This is not merely a link between the dream city and the underworld but it can go much further and harm the national security. These Karachi-based underworld dons are not merely interested in making a few more bucks or find themselves glorified on the celluloid. They are actually kingpins of the dreaded undeclared war launched by neighbouring state of Pakistan. Investigations are still on and even the cases are still lingering in courts on the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai city, which killed several innocents. Pakistani intelligence used the unsuspecting underworld links to accomplish their target of attacking vital installations in the commercial capital of the country.
The state authorities might find it difficult to deal with dons who operate from an enemy country and keep on killing people and influencing Bollywood from a distance. It is not merely providing protection to a few top actors or actresses but it is a serious business of unearthing links these underworld dons have developed without any inhibitions. It will require political will to hit out at the guilty and in the process even political bigwigs may be hit. The question is: are we prepared for such kind of aclean-up to save not only Bollywood but also the state and city from the vicious grip of these underworld dons.
#4 Posted by fawad79 on August 7, 2002 2:54:52 pm
ok who is sanjay dutt is he the one with the bugg out eyes or the prett boy?
#3 Posted by aicha on August 7, 2002 12:52:57 pm
oh and I also forgot to add - can we pls get a writeup on taht aspect too - so that we all know where who stands - just for once!!
#2 Posted by aicha on August 7, 2002 12:52:57 pm
what is the point here? We have all heard/read this so many times. The questions that shoudl be asked are - why did the police sit on this for such a long time and why is it seeing the light of day only now - any answers ??
#1 Posted by Shatru Sinha on August 7, 2002 12:52:57 pm
Its not that Chota Shakeel is the worst criminal india has produced.Was not there Shiv Sena with its Anti Muslim & Islam _Pakistan ethos .Was not there BJP alliance govt with NDA agressively interested in forcefully filling its influence in every spheres of Indian life ....NRI to Bollywood Industry to Gas Stations under minister RAM NAIK ....all this much atention is UNDESERVED for Chota Shakeel Sanjay etc.
Has any body heatrd of N A I K or G O W L E ??
I didnt think so !
Chota shakeel is Chota in front of thses NAIK & GOWLE ....but read on ..
If given enough power & money i can record the rectal muscles of both Advani & Atal bihari full with electromyogram & audio of it on video recording.....There is nothing increminating except that so & so talked & so & so is deemed criminal by the bias police.
So when was it that movie industry never sought muscle of gunda party ,EVEN the neta politicians of BJP have gundas murdering opposition in Ajmer Bhopal Delhi Kanpur Lucknow ...
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