| Chennai
fans receive Aamir with protests &
slogans |
Aug
14, 2006 |
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Aamir
Khan was in for a rude shock when he made
his first public appearance in Chennai in
a long time. He might have expected a rousing
reception when he walked to the mike during
the function in which the Gollapudi Srinivas
award for the best debutant director was
presented. Instead what he got was catcalls,
albeit from a small section of the crowd.
Numbering around 5, the protesters marred
the euphoria that had been created on Aamir’s
arrival in the city. |
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Aamir
Khan, as we all know, is a big draw
in the city. His movies usually
do great business in Chennai. He
was actually arriving in Chennai
on a high after giving two big hits
this year, Rang de Basanti and Fanaa.
The protestors reportedly not happy
with Aamir’s endorsement of
Coca cola in the aftermath of the
reports that suggested that the
drink contained more than the permissible
levels of pesticides.
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This
was what transpired at the function the
other day. After the award had been presented
to the Telugu director Mohan Krishna. Aamir
Khan was then invited to give the chief
guest’s address. This was when all
the problems started. 2 girls who had been
seated quietly at one of the back rows started
raising slogans against the actor. They
reportedly wanted Aamir to apologize for
being involved in the publicity of a tainted
brand. They seemed to be well prepared for
the purpose and were holding placards displaying
their opinion. |
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A
visibly upset Aamir stopped speaking
following which the two young ladies
had to be forcefully escorted out
of the hall. Just when one thought
that all was fine, three others
who had been seated next to those
ladies got up and started protests
in a similar vein. This time a young
man was also involved. The operation
seemed to be very well planned.
Even these 3 were then expelled
from the hall
When later asked about their outburst
one could understand that matters
had been going from a much earlier
date.
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youngsters reportedly said that they were
in fact fans of the actor. They even said
that they were very pleased with his move
to support the N.B.A. but they found it
difficult to accept the fact that the same
man was involved with a brand such as coke.
They claimed that they had warned Aamir
about their intentions earlier. When it
was first announced that Aamir was going
to make an appearance in Chennai, they had
sent him an email stating their opinion
and had asked him make a public apology
before coming to Chennai or face the consequences.
As there had been no response, they had
to resort to vocal protests at the function.
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Whether
the youngsters were right in doing
what they had done is a matter of
contention. But it sure is a warning
bell sounded for all the stars who
endorse the soft drinks which are
under a cloud. One also cannot help
feeling sorry for Aamir Khan who
seems to be everyone’s favourite
target. Controversy seems to be
walking hand in hand with Aamir.
While we wish that all the adulterant
soft drinks make an exit from the
country at the earliest possible,
we also hope that artistes such
as Aamir Khan be given a chance
to redeem themselves.
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One
should remember that the actors are bound
by contracts that were made much before
this whole matter surfaced. Hoping that
all issues end in the best possible manner
as soon as possible. |
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