« Back to article | Print this article |
"I am not the biggest hero, Anna (Hazare) is the real hero," said superstar Aamir Khan on Saturday as he pledged support to the activist's fight for a strong anti-corruption law.
Khan's remarks at Ramlila Maidan came as Kumar Viswas, a key Hazare aide, described the actor as the "biggest hero" of the country who has lent his support to the movement.
Regaling Hazare's supporters by singing Mitwaa from his movie Lagaan, Khan requested the 74-year-old activist to call off his fast as the people needed him to lead the countrymen in future struggles.
"I request you to end your fast because we understand that it is a process and Parliament must debate the bill," he said.
"This is the first episode of the struggle. The climax would be when we get a strong Lokpal bill," Aamir said.
He said people should approach their Members of Parliament and ask them to support Hazare's version of the bill.
"I will meet my MP Priya Dutt and tell her 'please support the Jan Lokpal bill'. Every Indian must ask their MP to support this bill. Our eyes are on them," he said.
Khan also spoke with Dr Naresh Trehan, who had come to examine Hazare, and enquired about his health.
"I have no doubt in my mind that we will get a strong Lokpal Bill. However, we need to decide as to how we are going to live our lives. Will we give or accept bribes? Will we say no to corruption in our lives," Khan said.
"It's high time every one of us said no to any kind of corruption. Our actions will determine whether India becomes a corruption-free country or not," the actor said.
When asked by Hazare's aide Kiran Bedi if Bollywood would lend its support to the anti-corruption movement when needed, Khan said, "Not only Bollywood, every Indian is with Anna Hazare in his fight against corruption. We will fully support him when needed".
Director Raju Hirani said he had never imagined that a day would come when the whole country would stand up against corruption.
"It has become possible because of Anna and I have come here to salute him," he said, adding,
"We need you (Anna) in this battle against corruption. Please end your fast and stay with us," Hirani said.