Close X
    Tuesday, September 24, 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

    Sonakshi Feels Liberated To Carry A Film On Her Shoulders

    Sonakshi Feels Liberated To Carry A Film On Her Shoulders
    Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who featured in the primary role in "Akira" and is now the central character in "Noor" -- both movies without a 'hero' -- says carrying a film solely on her shoulders isn't difficult, but rather liberating for her.

    Sonakshi Feels Liberated To Carry A Film On Her Shoulders

    Priyanka's Oscar Look Decoded

    Priyanka's Oscar Look Decoded
    Indian actress Priyanka Chopra looked elegant in a body-hugging gown by designer label Ralph & Russo at the 89th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. And you can get her Oscars look with no hassle, says an expert.

    Priyanka's Oscar Look Decoded

    My Character In 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' Feminist: Alia Bhatt

    My Character In 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' Feminist: Alia Bhatt
    Actress Alia Bhatt says her character in the forthcoming film "Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya" is more of a feminist and is very driven.

    My Character In 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' Feminist: Alia Bhatt

    Ajay, Emraan Meet BSF Troopers

    Actors Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta met Border Security Force (BSF) personnel here.

    Ajay, Emraan Meet BSF Troopers

    Varun Dodges Questions On His 'Dulhania'

    Varun Dodges Questions On His 'Dulhania'
    Amid speculations about his rumoured ladylove Natasha Dalal, actor Varun Dhawan who will be next seen in "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" on Tuesday dodged questions about his own "Dulhania" (bride).

    Varun Dodges Questions On His 'Dulhania'

    If Given A Chance, Will Work With SRK Again: Chitrashi Rawat

    Actress Chitrashi Rawat, who made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Chak De! India", says if she gets an opportunity she would love to work with the superstar again.

    If Given A Chance, Will Work With SRK Again: Chitrashi Rawat

    PrevNext