Kollywood to Bollywood, celebs endorse Anna campaign

It wasn't the first time that celebrities endorsed Anna Hazare's movement; but Thursday saw a Kollywood star and a hotshot TV producer share the podium with Anna.

The first to arrive in the morning was Tamil actor Vijay. He took the centrestage, along with an interpreter (as he spoke in English), and called Anna an example for the nation, whose stir has triggered a nationwide debate on uprooting corruption. Vijay, who has acted in over 60 Tamil movies and is a superstar down south, flew in from Chennai in the morning and met Anna at Ramlila Maidan.

Saluting Anna's "will power", Vijay said the way the movement has garnered public support, without any political machination, is praiseworthy. "Considering that he is 74 years of age, even 10 days of fasting has not weakened him. What is most noble is his support for the poor, the most neglected part of the society. I am very proud to be here as a Tamilian. I pray for his good health," he told Anna's supporters. Vijay is the second celebrity from the south to express his support to Anna Hazare after superstar Rajinikanth, who lent his support to the campaign on Tuesday. Vijay claimed that the entire film industry was with Anna.
A couple of hours later, TV producer Ashok Pandit, who had rallied all the television stars in Mumbai a day earlier, took the centrestage. In an explosive speech, Pandit attacked director Mahesh Bhatt for opposing Anna's movement. "If he does not stop attacking Anna, we will give him a befitting reply," he said.
He went on to add that being born in Kashmir, he was aware of terrorism, which stems out of corruption. "While Afzal Guru and Kasab are fed in jail by corrupt officers, we are thrown into jail," he said.
He further said was a shame that Amar Singh, who has been chargesheeted in the cash-for-votes scam, was a member in several important parliamentary committees. He questioned the two-faces of the opposition. "Advani attacks the government in the morning, and eats with the government at iftar parties at night," Pandit added.
Sambhavna Seth, who rose to prominence as a Bigg Boss contestant, also expressed solidarity with Anna on stage.
Bhojpuri star Manoj Tiwari was present yet again at the venue where he sang songs in praise of Anna. Comedian Raju Srivastav, was also spotted around the dais.