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.
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