MUMBAI: After Amitabh Bachchan posted a message on his blog recently expressing his views on the proposed Metro in the city, it didn’t take long for a controversy to start! He is once again under attack from political parties for his comments on Mumbai metro.
In a recent blog Bachchan had written, “The metro rail being laid over the metropolis called Mumbai, some under the ground; some above over large tracts of cement structures is taking shape. There is general happiness among the commuters as the misery of crowded locals and the uncertainties of the three wheeler or the yellow black cab shall hopefully be greatly reduced. But here is the killer, it’s going to roll over Prateeksha!!”
“Yesterday the authorities came over to check the structural condition of all houses that would get affected by the rail car moving in its proximity and they came into Prateeksha. So bye bye privacy and hello fellow traveler.”
However, Bachchan clarified his comments today and said that his comments were misinterpreted and stressed that he welcomes the changes being seen in the city. He said, “ Indeed I have ended the piece by saying welcome ‘fellow passengers’. By fellow passenger I include myself as one," said Bachchan, adding, "I am proud to be a Mumbaikar and I welcome the changes which are being seen in the city." Certain sections of the media, both electronic and print, have misinterpreted the writings on my blog and I wish to make a clarification.”
“Mumbai as a city has given my family and me a place in their hearts besides recognition and respect. My family and I have never, and at no point of time would ever, like to disregard the conveniences of my fellow Mumbaikars and the development being undertaken for a better future for the city and them.
My blog represents my heart and on the matter of the Metro it clearly says the ‘general happiness’ that it brings to ‘commuters’ and that ’the misery of crowded locals and the uncertainties of the three wheeler or the yellow black cab shall hopefully be greatly reduced’. Indeed I have ended the piece by saying welcome ‘fellow passengers’. By fellow passenger I include myself as one. My request to everyone who visits my blog is to read it in its entirety rather than pick up words and fabricate stories which create an unnecessary sensation. I am proud to be a Mumbaikar and I welcome the changes which we are being seen in the city.”