I am not going to be bullied by fringe elements- Kamal Haasan

16 Sep 2017

A fringe Hindu group in TamilNaduhas called for a ban the Tamil version ofBiggBoss. They have also labelled the shows hostKamalHaasan as anti-Hindu. When I caught up withKamalHaasan, he seemed not the least fazed. No, I am not cowed down by the bullyingor perhaps cowed down is not the politically correct term to use. But no, I am not intimidated. Ive been subjected to such labels for years now. The anti-culture/anti-Hindi accusations againstBiggBoss has takenKamalby surprise. This, Ive to admit, was unexpected.BiggBoss and its foreign versionBig Brotherhave been an accepted format for television for as long as we remember.BiggBosshas been telecast in India in Hindi for 11 years. Its not likely to induce paroxysms of cultural hysteria inTamilianswho are familiar with the show. Its a reality-show format accepted theworld over. I see no cultural or ideological clash between us and them in the show. And, I havent come across anyone doing anything anti-national on the show. Worried daughterShrutiHaasanpaid her father a visit on Wednesday evening. The actor and film person sees no threat to his life or property. I currently live in transit. My house is under construction. I am not worried. But this kind of rogue policing disturbs people close to you. That is a problem, he says, pooh-poohing the speculation that the current tirade against hisBiggBossavatar is actually a pretext for his entry into active politics. Taking a deep breath, KamalHaasansays, Lets get this very clear. I am not joining any political party. Neither am I quitting my duties as host onBiggBoss. I am not going to be bullied by fringe elements.