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Bala saab was never an anti-Muslim man: Sanjay Raut
Mumbai, Jan 12 (IANS) Politician and film producer Sanjay Raut, who is also the writer of the forthcoming film “Thackeray” based on Bal Thackeray, says that though there is a perception that the late politician was “anti-Muslim”, it is not true.
The producer was present along with the cast and crew of the film for the launch of the song album here.
Asked if Thackeray disliked and maintained a distance from the Muslim community, Raut told the media: “Bala saab was never an anti-Muslim man. He was a true patriot. He was one of those lovers of the nation and people’s person that never allowed caste and religion to come in between…
“People asked us why we cast Nawazuddin (Siddiqui) bhai as saab in the film. I would say that this is the biggest salute from us to the ideology of Bala saab. Also, note that Nakash Aziz sang the title song of ‘Thackeray’ because we believe that saab kept merit beyond religion.”
Calling Thackeray the “biggest nationalist”, Raut mentioned that “his vision was to bring people together for the development of the nation”.
The event was also attended by Nawazuddin, actress Amrita Rao, Nakash, composers Rohan-Rohan and lyricist Manoj Yadav, among others.
The film is releasing before the election. Asked if the story will influence people’s mind to vote for a particular political party, Raut said: “Look that film ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ is made based on Sanjaya Baru’s book. But our film is not based on any book, it is a life story. This is not a propaganda film. Like the way we watched films on Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, we will watch this film on Thackeray saab.”
Bala saab’s son Uddhav Thackeray and grandson Aaditya Thackeray were also present at the event.
“We are releasing it between 1200 and 1300 screens in India. It includes Marathi and Hindi. Overseas…we are attempting around 400 screens,” said Ajit Andhare, chief operating officer of Viacom18 Studios.
“Thackeray” is releasing on January 25.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.