Film actor Aamir Khan, director Rajkumar Hirani, and playback singer Sonu Nigam were among the celebrities who visited anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan on Saturday. While news of Mr. Khan making a visit has been doing the rounds since Friday, the announcement by civil society member Arvind Kejriwal that the popular star would address the crowd was met with great euphoria.
People surged forward to get a good look at the actor but with several tiers of barricades and enclosures, the closest the crowd could get was nearly 50-75 metres of the stage.
“We are with Anna”
“Anna has awakened us. We are all united with him in this struggle against corruption. I have seen all versions of the Lokpal Bill. I support the Jan Lokpal Bill completely. It is apparent that Parliament will pass this Bill. They should bring a strong Lokpal Act. Today, we have seen the importance of elections and our votes. A lot of people don't go out to vote. I will ask Priya Dutt, my MP, to support the Jan Lokpal Bill. Likewise, all of you should ask your MPs to support the Bill,” Mr. Khan said.
The crowd also witnessed Mr. Khan's comic interlude when he was asked to join a few singers in a rendition of the popular song, “Mitwa, Tu Aajaa Re” from his 2001 film Lagaan, which has been sung on every day of the fast. “I sing poorly. It shouldn't happen that you people run away when I sing,” Mr. Khan remarked, leaving the Anna supporters in splits.
‘Gandhi is alive'
Rajkumar Hirani, director of Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai, and Three Idiots, said that though one of his films discussed Mahatma Gandhi's ideas it was dismissed by many people as impractical. “We have seen so much corruption around us, but I never thought I would see such a movement against corruption in my lifetime. The way this movement has proceeded peacefully and non-violently shows that Gandhi is alive with us. Annaji, you stop the fast. We want you with us. The protest can still go on,” Mr. Hirani said.
Sonu Nigam visited the maidan in the morning and warmed the hearts of Anna supporters with patriotic songs and Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn Vaishnav Jan To.
