Mumbai:
The support for Kamal Haasan spiked today with prominent film stars and directors in Chennai and Bollywood rallying around the actor-director whose film Vishwaroopam has been banned for two-weeks by the Tamil Nadu government. The actor has acknowledged this in his press conference held in Mumbai today. Here are the highlights:
- It was very arrogant of me to say I was standing alone. You were with me, I am thankful to the media.
- A request to India, my Muslim, Jain brothers: we have a lot more work to do. This kind of squabbling will not take us forward.
- Don't disrespect artists; they are your ambassadors not politicians
- The amount of support I got from Muslims was unbelievable
- When my Muslim friends came and read their 'duas' and asked for me to forgive them, I was moved. That is true India.
- If this happens again, I would seriously think of leaving the country.
- I am not threatening, I am hurt. This is my country.
- Oscars are for Americans, I want to get Indian Awards. My films are made for Indian people.
- The only thing I want to clarify is that I am rational - for me not religion, it is people who matter.
- My only request to the government is that in case a few Muslims were arrested- it was because they were led by rabble rousing, they were pushed to anger by misinformation. They are my brothers I have nothing but love for them.
- Top stars hung around as if they were my production managers - asking me if I wanted tea or coffee.
- I am not saying sorry for saying I wanted to leave the country. I was angry, I still am.
- Why is it that we fall prey to divisions every time? I have had problems with Hindu brothers.
- Look at my films, do you see hate in it? How can people from my home state accuse me? That was the reason for my anger.
- So many of the Bollywood stars came forward. I must thank all of them.
- Islam is not targeting me. It is politics, not religion.
- I just thanked Jayalalithaa that she came forward. I think she has understood now. She is an artiste, she has come forward.
- If there is terror, even if it is saffron or green, it is there. I don't care what they wear.
- (On Uttar Pradesh ban) I know the honourable Chief Minister there. They won't, I think.
- As of now the losses could be anywhere between 30-60 Crores.
- Now that Jayalalithaa is helping us, why should I contemplate going to Supreme Court?
- I want to tell my fans, I don't know what I did to deserve this, I am so touched.
- My house is still mortgaged. I am now thinking of this as a lottery.