Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2020)

Musician-politician-actor Babul Supriyo has gone into isolation following his doctor’s advice. The MP from Asansol has tweeted that he recently met Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been hospitalised after testing positive for Coronavirus. Babul will soon take the COVID test. On his Twitter handle, the Babul wrote: “I had met Honble HM Shri @AmitShah ji day before in the evening. I am advised by Doctors to confine myself, away from my family members, for the next few days with a test to be done soon. Shall abide with all precautionary measures as per Rules & Protocol #COVID19 #AmitShah (sic).”

Supriyo, who is the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Union Council of Ministers, said, “Those who were in close proximity with Amit Shah have to be in self quarantine now. We met him a day before, with all social distancing protocols in place. But now when he has tested positive, we have to be in isolation and get the COVID test done. I have shifted to my office room and will get tested on Monday. Though I am completely fine, there are many who are asymptomatic too. So, I need to get tested to be sure.”

Home Minister Anil Deshmukh says the Mumbai police are more than equipped to handle the probe into the actor's death last month
Faizan Khan (MID-DAY; July 17, 2020)

The demand for a Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) probe in connection with the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been growing stronger by the day as a social media campaign for it has also been launched. After BJP MP Subramanian Swamy's demand for a CBI probe, the actor's alleged friend Rhea Chakraborty has also requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah for it. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, however, told mid-day that there was no need for a CBI probe and that the Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases.

Chakraborty, who recorded her statement with the Bandra Police on Monday, tweeted "Respected @AmitShah sir, I'm Sushant Singh Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty. It has been over a month since his sudden demise. I have complete faith in the government. However, in the interest of justice, I request you with folded hands to initiate a CBI inquiry into this matter. I only want to understand what pressures prompted Sushant to take this step. Yours sincerely #satyamevajayat."

Deshmukh, however, said, "I have the tweets and the campaign. But I don't think that a CBI probe is required. The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases and they are investigating every aspect of the case including professional rivalry. As of now, we do not see any foul play. Details of the investigation will be shared once it is completed."

Fit For CBI Probe Or Not?
Actor Rajput allegedly committed suicide on June 14 and the Mumbai police did not find anything suspicious prima facie. His post-mortem analysis report also confirmed death by hanging. However, there has been a consistent social media campaign alleging the actor was murdered. Former member of parliament from Bihar Pappu Yadav was the first to demand a CBI probe and has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah who in response said that the request had been forwarded to the department concerned.

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy also tweeted saying, "I have asked Ishkaran (advocate) to look into the facts of Sushant Singh Rajput death case and see whether it's a fit case for CBI investigation." He said that advocate Ishkaran Bhandari is considering sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and/or 308 (culpable homicide) of the India Penal Code read with Article 21 of the Constitution is applicable.

According to Mumbai police, a month-long investigation into the matter hasn't brought to fore any foul play or abetment. "We are now waiting for the forensic report to get more clarity. Our investigation continues to look into the professional rivalry angle," an officer said.

Earlier, Chakraborty, who was blamed by some people for Rajput's death, had posted a screengrab of her Instagram account where she said, "l was called a gold digger. I kept quiet. I was called a murderer, kept quiet. I was slut-shamed. I kept quiet. But how does my silence give you the right to tell me that you will get me RAPED and MURDERED if I don't commit suicide @mannu_raaut? Do you realise the seriousness of what you have said? These are crimes, and by law no one, I repeat NO ONE, should be subjected to this kind of toxicity and harassment. I request @cyber_crime_helpline @cybercrimeindia to please take necessary action. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH."

'Chakraborty Has Not Complained'
Officials of Mumbai Cyber branch told mid-day that they had not received any written complaint from the actress. They have taken cognizance of her post and will investigate, they said.

The Bandra Police on Thursday also recorded the statement of a senior pyschiatrist from Hinduja Hospital who was treating Sushant Singh Rajput. So far 35 statements have been recorded.

BOMBAY TIMES (July 17, 2020)

The actress wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying that she wanted to know “what pressures prompted Sushant to take this step”

Following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death by suicide on June 14, many people, including celebrities and prominent political figures, have been demanding a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe into the matter. Yesterday, the late actor’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, too, voiced a similar request.

The actress took to social media and requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate an inquiry by the central agency. She wrote, “I’m Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, it is now over a month since his sudden demise. I have complete faith in the government, however in the interest of justice, I request you with folded hands to initiate a CBI enquiry into this matter. I only want to understand what pressures prompted Sushant to take this step (sic).”

Over the last month, Rhea has received a lot of backlash from a certain section of people on social media. Yesterday, she finally spoke up against a person, who has been threatening her on the platform. Sharing the screenshot of a rape and murder threat she has received, appealing to the Cyber Crime Cell, she wrote, “I was called a gold digger… I kept quiet, I was called a murderer....I kept quiet I was s**t shamed ....I kept quiet But how does my silence give you the right to tell me that you will get me RAPED and MURDERED if I don’t commit suicide… (sic).” She continued, “Do you realize the seriousness of what you have said? These are crimes, and by law no one, I repeat NO ONE should be subjected to this kind of toxicity and harassment (sic).”

After eight months of battle with cancer, Nafisa Ali Sodhi has emerged victorious with a new zest for life, hunger to play meaningful roles in films and a deep-rooted desire to be part of Indian politics and serve the country
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; July 7, 2019)

In 2017, Neena Gupta put out a post on Instagram seeking work. And just last week, veteran actor Nafisa Ali Sodhi, in an announcement that she has beaten cancer published a similar post. However, Ali says that she is not looking for work, just an outlet to celebrate life after eight months of battle. In conversation with mid-day, she talks about trying her hand at comedy, joining politics, and the scary state of affairs in India.

Excerpts from the interview.

You published a post on Instagram expressing a desire to get back to films.
I am not looking for work per say and neither am I seeking roles for monetary purposes. When I wrote that I am looking for a perfect script, I meant I wanted to celebrate my health and let the world know that I have won the battle against Cancer. I want to be part of films just for the joy of acting. It's liberating to work and being busy is a great healer too. It's always good to be surrounded by positive energy and like-minded people. At the same time, I don't want to be burdened with too much work. I want to work at my own pace. I don't have much hair on my head, so I may not wear wigs. Maybe, I could get the role of a patient or a monk (laughs). I have not worked in a comedy and it is definitely something I'd like to explore.

Earlier, Neena Gupta used social media to seek work, so did Amitabh Bachchan.
They are serious actors, who have achieved so much with their craft, yet they have no qualms in asking for work. It is the greatness of Mr Bachchan who isn't afraid to ask for a great role. I feel senior actors should be given credible work. Our culture asks us to respect elders; the same thing should apply irrespective of an actor's screen time.

Did you get any response to your post from filmmakers?
It's not even a week since I published the post. It is going to take the required time. A post cannot convert into work immediately. I remember Nikkhil Advani had called me a few months back [for a project], but I was still recovering. I was too frail and didn't want to make any commitments. But things have changed now.

You came out in support of Zaira Wasim who has decided to quit the film industry.
At her age, I went through the same thing she is facing. I felt for her. My message was that work is a choice. It is your freedom and independent right. Young people are surrounded by too many pressures, but if you have a choice, make sure you think and take the right decision. Till date, I look back and regret, 'Why did I give in? Why did I listen to my father instead of listening to myself?'

No one questioned her decision. However, people have chided her for bringing religion into the mix.
I had a similar issue. I was born into a Muslim family and my father told me 'girls in our family don't work in cinema'. I gave in to that pressure. I won the title of Miss India in 1976. Around the same time, Rishi Kapoor saw my photo in a magazine and his father Raj Kapoor approached my father expressing a desire to cast me in a film opposite his son. My father wasn't comfortable with the idea and turned it [offer] down. A few years later, I met Shashi Kapoor and Shyam Benegal at Rajji's birthday in Mumbai, where I was offered the lead role in Junoon (1979). Because I had turned 21, he told me to make my own decision. So, I took the chance and moved to Mumbai. My father didn't speak to me for two months. During the shoot, Benegal asked me to go home and show my father a few stills. I was going to feature in Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai with Rishi, but my father objected to a few clauses in the contract. I respected his wishes and moved back to Kolkata. And I regret that decision. In retrospect, I feel I should have stood my ground. Cinema is so empowering and stimulating; it lets you transform into anyone that is the greatness of it.

You have contested elections in the past. Now that you have regained your health, would you consider joining politics again?
I would love to be a politician. If someone asks me to come to the Parliament and work for India, it would be a dream come true. I cannot rant or debate, but I can ensure I'll work towards the betterment of the country. I would like to take up any opportunity in any capacity.

Sonia Gandhi met you during your treatment. Did you consider speaking to her about your political ambitions?
A common friend informed her about my health when I was diagnosed with cancer. We met and had a nice chat. It's nice when friends reach out during testing times. She has a heart of an angel and a mind of a saint because she genuinely cares about people. Unfortunately, you see so much bad press against her; it's like a dirty political game. When I meet her again, which will happen soon, I'll ask her if I can join the party in any capacity.

What is your take on the current governance of the country?
The xenophobic and dictatorship approach is just too harmful. The media is being manipulated and it is happening in the name of democracy. We have movies being made with a political agenda that receive funding from political parties. Imagine history is being altered through school textbooks. History is to record and remember things that have benefited the community and country. It should not be changed to suit someone's convenience. It's a dangerous time that we are living in. The youth should not be blinded by hero worship, which is the case with Narendra Modi and Amit Shah and that is because they feel they are going to bring about a change. However, the harsh reality is that there is no change. The common man continues to suffer.

What would be that one question you would ask if you meet Narendra Modi?
I congratulated him when he became the PM and after that I have sent him two letters, but he is the first PM who has never replied to me. I believe he is biased against me considering all my other friends have received a reply. I am aware where I stand for him so, I don't think I would want to ask him anything.

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 22, 2019)

After Bollywood’s action star Sunny Deol met BJP President Amit Shah briefly at Pune airport on Friday, speculations have been rife that he might contest elections on a BJP ticket from Amritsar. While the Deols’ spokesperson has reportedly confirmed that the meeting was arranged, he did not comment on whether Sunny will join the party.

It is a widely-known fact that the Deols are immensely popular in Punjab, since veteran actor Dharmendra’s roots are in Ludhiana, something that he speaks about with pride. Dharmendra also had a brief stint in politics when he contested Lok Sabha polls from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in 2004. Hence, it won’t come as a surprise if the party invites Sunny to contest from the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat.

When BT met the actor last week, during the promotions of his upcoming film, Blank, he did not totally rule out the possibility of joining politics in the future.

When we pointedly asked him, if he had political ambition, he said, “Whether I will join politics or not is a difficult question to answer because you never know what happens in the future. If they invite me tomorrow, I don’t know if I will say yes or no. Life is quite uncertain and you don’t know where it will lead you. But I would like to say that whether I join politics or not, I will continue to be the same guy I have been in the past and do my duty and work with dignity. The outside world does not change me or affect my behaviour.”

On prodding him about how papa Dharmendra is campaigning for Hema Malini in Mathura currently and whether he would like to join the campaign, Sunny said, “I have campaigned in the past. Now, if this year I get an invitation to campaign, I have no idea if I will do that. Also, which party I support is something personal and I would like to keep it that way. In today’s world, you have to be very careful about what you comment. I respect every person’s decision in such matters, and I should also be given that privacy. I might say something today and tomorrow, if life leads me into something else, people will say, ‘Arre you said something different then and now, you are doing the opposite’. So, I will just wait and let destiny take its course of action.” Despite the rumours of him taking the plunge, there has been no confirmation from the actor whether or not he will be joining the party at the time of going to press.

Dhai kilo ka haath BJP ke saath? Actor meets BJP prez amid speculation over his imminent entry into politics
Makarand Gadgil (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 21, 2019)

BJP president Amit Shah met Sunny Deol in Pune on Friday, amid speculation that the party could field the Bollywood actor from Amritsar Lok Sabha seat. The meeting took place at Pune Airport and lasted around 15 minutes. A spokesperson for Deol confirmed the meeting but said: “Nothing has been decided about Deol’s entry into politics or if he will contest on a BJP ticket from Amritsar.”

“My job was to arrange the meeting, which I did. The rest is up to the party and Deol,” a senior BJP leader from Maharashtra said on condition of anonymity.

Deol, 62, is best known for action hero roles in films such as Ghayal, Ghatak, Border and Gadar - Ek Prem Katha.

His father, well-known Bollywood actor Dharmendra, had a brief stint in politics when he successfully contested Lok Sabha polls from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in 2004.

In Punjab the BJP is relying heavily on star power. It is considering the names of former Gurdaspur MP late Vinod Khanna’s second wife, Kavita Khanna, or his son and actor, Akshay Khanna.

Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu won the Amritsar seat for the BJP in 2004 and 2009. In 2014 the BJP nominated Finance Minister Arun Jaitley from Amritsar, who lost to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The BJP, which has an alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal, is fighting three of the 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab – Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, but is yet to announce any candidates.

Punjab is going to polls in the last phase of the election on May 19. 

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 13, 2019)

Vivek Oberoi’s Modi biopic, PM Narendra Modi has found its Amit Shah in Manoj Joshi. The veteran actor, who recently kicked off shoot in Mumbai, says that he immediately gave a nod to the film even though he had other projects in hand. “It’s the first time I’m portraying a living person and that’s exciting. People are waiting for the Modi biopic and I’m glad I’m playing Amit bhai who is one of the most important characters,” he asserts, going on to say that in real life too he keeps himself updated on the political scenario as it’s important to be aware of what is happening in the country.

Shah is a Member of Parliament, president of the Bharatiya Janta Party and a close associate of the Prime Minister. Manoj describes him as a “good organiser”. Talking of his prep he says, “I’ve been listening to his speeches to know more about him. We have used prosthetics only when absolutely necessary to get the look right. I will be sporting different hair styles as the film progresses.”

After being alerted by social media denizens and members of the BJP about anti-government memes floating online in his name
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 26, 2017)

Raju Srivastava has lodged a complaint against an unidentified imposter at Oshiwara police station for maligning his name by sharing derogatory posts/memes against political bigwigs across social media platforms. “I noticed in the last few days that some people were making satirical comments against the government using my photograph. I ignored it in the beginning but it started to seem deliberate. In fact, the latest one was against BJP president Amit Shah. A few people forwarded it to me. It is not just ethically wrong but also illegal. If someone has a bone to pick with a leader, they should do it without involving me,” Raju told Mirror, further revealing that a few BJP members even called him to enquire about the memes.

He adds, “Main bhi netaon ki comedy karta hoon but I do it in a way that even the subjects enjoy it. I don’t take personal digs at anyone. They must have thought, ‘yeh seedha saadha gaonwala hai, kya bigaad lega.’ Or maybe they thought that I am close to Modi ji and that the Prime Minister has made me the brand ambassador for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Several fake accounts on my name are also functional online.”

Raju also takes umbrage at the rampant misuse of the social media. “They spread rumours of people dying while they are alive. It happened with Rajesh Khanna saab and now with Dilip Kumar saab. Shakti Kapoor, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav and I have also been announced dead by these kind of people,” he thunders.

The comedian can’t wait to have his name exonerated from the meme mess, reiterating, “People are saying that I am giving gaalis to the government in the name of comedy. But I am not someone who would write bad things about someone or hurt them. If I find the person behind all this, I will file a defamation case against them.”
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Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 26, 2017)

After weeks of noticing how his picture was attached to disgraceful jokes about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of BJP that did the rounds on social media, comedian Raju Srivastava has taken matters into his own hands. The comedian lodged a police complaint against an unknown imposter at Oshiwara police station yesterday. In his complaint, Srivastava claimed that the imposter is maligning his image by sharing derogatory posts.

The grievance has been filed under Section 500 of IPC (punishment for defamation), a copy of which is in possession of mid-day. He stated that the imposter used his name with criminal intention “for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, insult, criminal intimidation and causing damage to my reputation.”

Speaking to mid- day, a livid Srivastava said, “Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but do not use my name. When the joke is not mine, why should I take the blame for it?”

He added that the jokes circulated with his picture were in bad taste. “The jokes should be clean and should not target someone. Social media is a great platform to spread good word. Why use it to spread negativity? And don’t use my name or photo for the same.”