In a rebuff to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle has said, “Hindustan belongs to all and people are bound to flock to Mumbai.”
Ms. Bhosle made this remark in the presence of Mr. Raj Thackeray, known for his anti-migrant stand, at a cultural evening organised on Sunday by a Marathi television channel here, while distancing herself from parochial sentiments involving Mumbai and Maharashtra.
“People are bound to flock to Mumbai as Hindustan belongs to all. Those who work hard here become prosperous. I also worked in my field with determination to earn success. I have sung in all Indian languages but I am a proud Maharashtrian,” she said when asked by the compere whether Mumbai was turning ugly with an exodus from outside.
“No one can snatch the job of a man who works here [in Mumbai] from morning to evening,” she said.
Praising Ms. Bhosle, Mr. Thackeray said, “Ashatai has sung her songs in many languages. And connoisseurs from all parts of India can identify themselves with her songs with an attachment. This became possible because Asha Bhosle is a Marathi,” he said.
Mr. Thackeray, who was one of the selected invitees for the musical evening, exchanged pleasantries with Ms. Bhosle at the end of the event.
