Even while the Australian government is saying it’s not racism but straightout threat by junkies who will do anything for money to finance their nefarious needs, the first alarm in Bollywood was sounded when Amitabh Bachchan refused an honour bestowed by an Australian body.
And now, all the filmmakers in B town have not only voiced their concern against the continuing attacks on Indians in Australia, but they have also vowed not to shoot in Australia until the situation turns normal. Take Siddharth Anand who shot two films entirely in Australia – Salaam Namaste and Tara Rum Pum Pum. He is now in two minds about shooting out there even though it happens to be his fave spots.
Madhur Bhandarkar is even more specific about his Aussie phobia. “I don’t want to risk my cast and crew’s lives in Australia,” he told a newspaper journalist.
Though there are critics who point out that entertainment should not be mixed with politics, I stand by the fraternity. After all, if big industries like Bollywood don’t stand up for their fellow Indians, how will the issue gain international importance? Now I only hope the Australian government employs a police force that is home to all the races, to protect the minorities, particularly students.