Boycotting movies doesn't make sense: Akshay Kumar on hashtags against 'Raksha Bandhan'
Kolkata, Aug 9: Boycotting films in a free country like India doesn't make sense because cinema as an industry also contributes to nation building, said Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar on Monday.
The actor was speaking at a press conference where he was asked to comment on the boycott calls on social media against his upcoming film "Raksha Bandhan" as well as "Laal Singh Chaddha", starring Aamir Khan. Both films are set to be released Thursday.
"If you don't feel like watching the movie, then don't. It's a free country and the film is out there, so if someone wants to watch it or not, it's up to them.
"I would like to tell you, no matter which industry it is, be it the clothing industry, film industry or anything else, all of these help the economy. But doing things like boycotting movies, it doesn't make sense," Akshay told reporters here.
The actor, who was in the city to promote "Raksha Bandhan", also appealed to people to not indulge in such trends.
"We are on the verge of making our country the biggest and the greatest. So I would just request them don't get into it and I would also request you (reporter) don't get into all this. It'll be better for our country only," he added.
Last week, hashtags calling for the boycott of "Laal Singh Chaddha" were trending on social media. Asked to comment on the social media trends, Aamir had said he was saddened by the boycott calls and urged the audience to not snub his film.
Later, similar hashtags against Akshay's "Raksha Bandhan" also popped up on online platforms.
Directed by Aanand L Rai, the film follows Raju (Akshay), a shop owner who is struggling to get his four younger sisters married. It features Sadia Khateeb, Sahejmeen Kaur, Deepika Khanna and Smrithi Srikanth in the role of Kumar's on-screen sisters.
One of the issues at the centre of the upcoming film is the malpractice of dowry, which the actor said is "unfortunately" still prevalent in society.
"In the name of a gift to the groom's household, some parents of a girl call it dowry... My film talks about the problem. It has many elements which are relatable," he said.
Akshay further said he endorses the call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hoist the tricolour at every household from August 13-15.
"In the 75th year of our independence, I endorse the call by our honourable PM. Every patriotic Indian should do the same," he added.
"Raksha Bandhan" also stars Bhumi Pednekar.
#boycottrakshabandhan #BoycottLaalSinghChaddha #BoycottAliaBhatt
— Indian (@SikhariShambu) August 4, 2022
Indians boycotting both #LaalSinghChaddha & #RakshaBandan equally is a sign of true secularism. pic.twitter.com/3JGx8jpuLB
Regarding anti-India, anti-Hindu Bollywood, Sushant Singh Rajput had said "one day Bollywood will collapse". It's coming true now.
— Unique SSR'S Team🔥(INACTIVE) (@PureLove4SSR) August 9, 2022
Sushant Agent Of Change 💥#BoycottLaalSinghChaddha#BoycottRakshaBandhan#BoycottBollywood pic.twitter.com/KbB5iMii1W
Now it's our turn !#BoycottbollywoodForever #BoycottLaalSinghChaddha #BoycottRakshaBandhanMovie #boycottrakshabandhan pic.twitter.com/rLiciloYEj
— Rise_Of_Saffronism (@r_saffronism) August 4, 2022
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
