‘We won’t forget 26/11’ says Bollywood

Have the wounds healed already? Have we forgotten the terror, the shock, the pain and the enormity of the loss borne by each and every Indian at some level? It is the first anniversary of the 26/11 tragedy, but the question remains if the attacks left us any wiser. The resilient spirit of Mumbai – one that is boasted of time and again – come bomb blasts, floods or terrorist attacks, are we still just as proud of it? Chandni Dev of Bollywood Hungama brings to you the film fraternity’s message to every Mumbaikar and Indian who is still reeling from the scars of the ghastly event, and what the celebrities think about the ever praised spirit of Mumbai. Anupam Kher: “I only hope that as a nation we are better prepared for the future. This tragedy should be a reality check for us. Anger and depression is fair but we need to take a moment and think about all those who have lost their life in the face of the terror attack. Resilience is our need. It’s a natural reaction. A common man has to go out and earn his living. But at the same time it’s important to remember the wounds.”  Anjana Sukhani: “A lot has been said and heard, mostly said. I hope the people who have lost their lives, may their souls rest in peace. I think resilient nature of Mumbai is pathetic. It’s time to step up and take action. Enough of being quiet about it. I don’t respect resilience, it’s time to kick a$$” Chitrangda Singh: “I think we should not forget what happened, it’s good to remember, but importantly we shouldn’t remember what happened, but why it happened. Instead of blaming the government and authorities, we as people should be aware of our surroundings and not be consumed in ourselves. I think it’s good that Mumbai is resilient. I am not from Mumbai and I can feel the difference the minute I step into this city. I think its ability to bounce back shows how brave it is.”  Zayed Khan: “People of Mumbai should bring about a resolve to not be so lax and unprepared. It’s important that a lesson is learnt from this experience, and going forward every Mumbaikar does his duty in whatever way possible. It doesn’t have to be much just that when you see something or someone suspicious, inform the authorities.

In a way play your part and be aware, it doesn’t take anything from your pocket. Everyone can be a moral police. Resilience makes sense when there is a natural calamity but it doesn’t when it’s a premeditated attack. I am not discounting the spirit of Mumbai, our country itself has an amazing spirit but to call getting back to life as resilience in the wake of a terror attack is an excuse. We shouldn’t just move on instead but be intelligent about it. Terrorism is global in nature and we should constantly be aware.”  Tusshar Kapoor: “The people of the city must remember that ups and downs have the potential to crush you, but we need to be strong. Like they say tough times don’t last but tough people do. There is a lesson that we can learn here and make sure that we take some measures. It’s true as a country we don’t invest enough on security. We ape the West in most things, I wonder why we don’t when it comes to governance? It’s good that we have the ability to get back on our feet. No point in sulking and crying. But at the same time we need to fight for our rights. Forget what happened but don’t forget the lesson. You can’t bring the Titanic back but you can learn something from its sinking. Peace marches isn’t a solution. I don’t know what is, but some concrete measure needs to be taken.” Wajid Ali: “We need to understand that we shouldn’t be looking outside for help, but each one us should be strong from within. Instead of constantly giving into things we are becoming weak. Each one of us is busy in our own lives, filling up our pockets and being selfish. Authorities are doing what they should and I am sure they have learnt a lesson, but even as individuals we should be equally involved. Like they say khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle, khuda bande se khud poochhe bata teri raza kya hai. People move on because they have no option. It’s not because we are a strong city. To be honest we are all cowards, or else we all would’ve done something after this tragedy. People ask me how I feel. I don’t know how to answer that. Maybe someone from my family didn’t die in the tragedy but the people who lost their lives were mine. We are getting used to this, which is wrong. Don’t get used to this. I hope this is a new beginning for all of us.”  Aarti Chabria: “Slowly and steadily change is coming. People are serious about the issues and about how we need to feel safe. People are becoming more patriotic. The light at the end of the tunnel is not too far, so instead of complaining we need to be more positive and learn to be more forgiving. It doesn’t help to be adamant but we should welcome peace, since we are a peace loving country. I salute those who have lost their lives but do believe that authorities are doing their bit. We can never move on and forget the loss. After all not just Mumbai but the whole country felt the pain. It’s ok to move on but the pain will always be there.”  Madhur Bhandarkar: “We, the people of Mumbai have always seen calamity, but we always have maintained a fighting spirit. We can only hope that such a tragedy is never repeated, as many a life and property is lost. The only thing we can do is be prepared and fight. My heart goes out to all those who lost their precious lives, and hope that such an experience is never repeated. We always say Mumbai doesn’t stop. But I do hope there is much more awareness now. I can see there are better security measures being taken and as common people I suggest that moving on we are more alert and keep that hope alive”