I don't subscribe to Raj Thackeray's politics: Suniel Shetty

Mar 6, 2008

Mumbai, March 6 (IANS) Actor-producer Suniel Shetty says he is not joining Raj Thackeray's party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and is just supporting his proposal to form an association for the welfare of cine artistes.

"I'm happy being an actor. I can't talk about my colleagues. But politics isn't my cup of tea. I think the best example of secularism is our film industry and I'm proud of it. To me Amitabh Bachchan is god. At the same time, Raj Thackeray is a very good friend of mine with a rational mind. But I don't subscribe to his politics," Suniel told IANS.

Suniel is the chairperson of the Cine Artistes Welfare Trust and says he welcomes the idea of such an organisation.

"I'm not a political person in the least," said Suniel. "All I was asked was about this association that Raj Thackeray's party is supposedly forming to support cine artistes. I'd support any effort to improve the lot of our film industry. I'm the chairperson of the Cine Artistes Welfare Trust. We all work towards the welfare of the industry. I welcome any association or organisation helping the industry."

In February, Thackeray had targeted north Indians and made inflammatory statements against them and it led to violence in the state. The city police imposed a ban on him holding public rallies or press conferences.

Commenting on Thackeray's stance against North Indians, Suniel said: "As far as segregating people region wise in Mumbai goes, who am I to do that? I'm an outsider in Mumbai. I've people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar working right from the top to the bottom of my organisation.

"My driver for the past 45 years is from Uttar Pradesh, so is my cook. I'm nobody to talk about who belongs or doesn't belong to Mumbai. I'm a rational man. But I repeat I'd be willing to support any party or individual that supports the industry."