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'If the law orders us to go to jail, we are ready'


Were Jaya Bachchan's comments at the Drona music launch necessary?
There is no point talking about what transpired in the past now. The call of the hour is that what is to be done now. It was never an intention on her part to hurt anybody's sentiment. She came up with a statement in a newspaper the next day that nothing was done deliberately. It was an off-the-cuff remark and please don't feel bad about it. But if people are feeling bad, then I express my grief and ask for an apology. After this, the matter should be put to an end.

But even after having tendered an apology, reactions are still pouring in. Then it is the administration's responsibility to take care of that. Our state home minister Mr R R Patil said he will initiate an enquiry for Jaya's statement, and we welcome it. Initiate the investigation and if we are found guilty, then we are ready to serve whatever punishment is served to us. If they think we have committed a mistake or said anything wrong, then we will obey whatever the law tells us. If the law orders us to go to jail, we are ready to do so.
'I respect them [Thackerays] a lot'


You never talk about your charity work, and what you have done for Maharashtra. But in your latest blog update, you have given an almost detailed account of this. What made you do so?
If you have read my blog carefully, you must have observed that while saying all those things, I was feeling uncomfortable. Normally, I never discuss the work I do. When I started my blog, I had decided that whatever was posted on it would come straight from my heart, and it would be fair and transparent.

I always express my feelings with honesty [on my blog]. If I am worried about what's happening in Mumbai or with what's happening with Jaya, I will vent my feelings on my blog. There are comments on my blog, which asked me about my contribution to this state. That's why I felt that it was my duty to answer those questions.

Do you plan to meet Bal Thackeray or Raj Thackeray about the issue?

I respect them a lot and they have always considered me as part of their family. Whenever I feel like meeting them, I will.