Close X
    Sunday, December 1, 2024
    ADVT 
    Bollywood

    I Stand By My Statement: Sonu Nigam Calls Azaan 'Forced Religiousness', Evoke Mixed Response

    Darpan News Desk IANS, 18 Apr, 2017 01:04 PM
    • I Stand By My Statement: Sonu Nigam Calls Azaan 'Forced Religiousness', Evoke Mixed Response
    Leading singer Sonu Nigam on Monday lashed out at "forced religiousness" in India after being woken up by the 'azaan' from a nearby mosque, triggering a torrent of reaction for and against.
     
    The "Kal ho naa ho" singer posted: "God bless everyone. I'm not a Muslim and I have to be woken up by the azaan in the morning. When will this forced religiousness end in India?" 
     
    Nigam explained his stance in a long Twitter post.
     
    "And by the way, (Prophet) Mohammed did not have electricity when he made Islam... Why do I have to have this cacophony after Edison? 
     
    "I don't believe in any temple or gurudwara using electricity To wake up people who don't follow the religion. Why then..? Honest? True? Gundagardi hai, bus."
     
    He tagged Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. 
     
    "Dear Fadnavis, please note and help us force police to act against illegal blaring of azaan and other such activities," the singer pleaded.
     
    As Nigam's views went viral, reactions poured in from all over India.
     
    Pakistan-born Canadian writer Tarek Fatah sided with the singer: "You are spot on Sonu Nigam. Thank god there is at least one person in India who has the courage to stare down mullah bullying. Shut the 4 a.m. azaan." 
     
    Not everyone felt the same way.
     
    Standup comedian Atul Khatri asked the Bollywood singer to find a new place if he was facing so much trouble. 
     
    "Hey Sonu Nigam, Shift to Ayodhya. I know a place there where there is no mosque," he tweeted. 
     
    Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan said Nigam's comments were intended at communal polarisation and for cheap publicity. 
     
    Khan told IANS: "He (Nigam) is a lover of late night parties and then sleeps till late hours. The Bombay High Court has permitted loudspeakers' use from 6 a.m.to 10 p.m. So, his statement is baseless and aimed at creating divisions among communities." 
     
    Film editor Apurva Asrani expressed his opposition to all kinds of noise pollution.
     
    "(I) don't want to hear the azaan at dawn, nor do I want to hear a 'Chikni chameli' tuned Ganesh Aarti at dusk. Ban all loud-speakering of religion," he tweeted.
     
     
    Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri lent support to Nigam: "I am willing to sponsor a campaign against illegal blaring of azaan and other prayers on loudspeakers. Suggest a creative hashtag." 
    Prev Next

    MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

    Will Be Full Of Gratitude For 'Saaransh': Anupam To Mahesh Bhatt

    Anupam Kher has expressed his gratitude to Mahesh Bhatt, the director of his debut film "Saaransh". The veteran actor says it was wonderful for him to be a part of the celebration of the anniversary of filmmaker's banner.

    Will Be Full Of Gratitude For 'Saaransh': Anupam To Mahesh Bhatt

    India Open 2017: Big B, Shah Rukh Thank PV Sindhu For Making India Proud

    India Open 2017: Big B, Shah Rukh Thank PV Sindhu For Making India Proud
      Big B on Sunday night tweeted: "P.V. Sindhu wins India SS title. Huge congratulations! Sweet revenge, after the Olympic loss but this one more convincing!"

    India Open 2017: Big B, Shah Rukh Thank PV Sindhu For Making India Proud

    'Baahubali' Fame Singer L.V. Revanth Wins 'Indian Idol 9'

    'Baahubali' Fame Singer L.V. Revanth Wins 'Indian Idol 9'
      Revanth, who has lent his voice for around 200 songs in southern films including "Baahubali: The Beginning", became known for his soulful voice right from the start when he auditioned for the show.

    'Baahubali' Fame Singer L.V. Revanth Wins 'Indian Idol 9'

    Twinkle Khanna Tells Karan Johar To Cast Her In My Name is Khan(na), His Response Is Epic!

    Writer-former actress Twinkle Khanna has suggested a sequel titled "My Name is Khanna" to filmmaker and friend Karan Johar, who made Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol-starrer "My Name is Khan" in 2010.

    Twinkle Khanna Tells Karan Johar To Cast Her In My Name is Khan(na), His Response Is Epic!

    Dilip Kumar Doing Well, Says Saira Banu

    Bollywood thespian Dilip Kumar is "well" and at home, his wife Saira Banu said on Sunday, clarifying buzz that the 94-year-old actor's health is not up to the mark.

    Dilip Kumar Doing Well, Says Saira Banu

    Marriage Not A Disqualification In Bollywood: Shabana Azmi

    Acclaimed performer and social activist Shabana Azmi doesn't see marriage as a "disqualification" for female actors in the Hindi film industry.

    Marriage Not A Disqualification In Bollywood: Shabana Azmi

    PrevNext