Actor Amitabh Bachchan’s comments on his blog that the Mumbai Metro line running outside his Juhu bungalow, Prateeksha, is ruining his privacy has drawn criticism from all political parties.
Congress leader Naseem Khan, who is the guardian minister for Mumbai’s suburbs, said the
government was implementing transport projects like the Mumbai Metro to reduce the common Mumbaiite’s commuting woes and that Bachchan’s privacy was not more important than the city. “The 32-km Charkop-Bandra route is likely to be used by 22 lakh commuters every day. It is in the larger interests of the city,” Khan said. “If one uses Mr Bachchan’s logic then flyovers like the one at J J would never have taken off.’’
The J J flyover that connects Byculla and Fort snakes through the congested Mohammad Ali Road and has buildings standing close to its railings on both the sides. “Residents are inconvenienced but that has not stopped big ticket projects,” Khan argued adding that Bachchan’s comments were “unfortunate”.
Bachchan’s post on his blog on August 29 said: “It is finally happening. The metro rail being laid over the metropolis called Mumbai…There is general happiness from the commuters…But here is the killer...it’s going to roll over Prateeksha!! So bye bye privacy and hello fellow traveller.’’
Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said everyone wants privacy but the convenience of lakhs of people cannot be ignored. “I am sure Amitabh has not opposed the Metro line, but just expressed his concern. The Metro is a matter of public convenience. One should take the 7:10 am local to see reality and then make such statements.”
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Nitin Sardesai said development projects cannot be stopped for an individual.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan refused to comment saying he would read the blog first. Even Amar Singh, expelled Samajwadi Party leader and once a close friend of the Bachchans, said the state had to think of public interest though public figures like Bachchan had every right to be unhappy over his privacy being intruded upon.