Say Sorry Or Be Sorry: That's the ultimatum the state's served on Aamir and his film for speaking his mind

"Dushman Number One makes for a catchy film title, but right now it's a real-life role for actor Aamir Khan, assigned to him by BJP functionaries in Gujarat. Announcing the campaign against the screening of his new film Fanaa in Gujarat, the national general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha, Amit Thaker, declared: "Not for the next 50 years will we allow any Aamir Khan film in Gujarat, unless he tenders a public apology." According to Thaker, Aamir's insulted the five-crore population of Gujarat by supporting the Narmada Bachao Andolan and taking an anti-Gujarat stand on the dam issue, as well as by making "nasty" comments about Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. While the state government and BJP spokespersons in Delhi have denied that they have anything to do with the BJP Yuva Morcha's campaign, it is common enough knowledge here that nothing within either the government or the BJP in Gujarat moves without Narendra Modi's clearance...

Thaker is categorical he'll hit Aamir where it hurts most: "We have decided to even prevent the circulation of video CDs of his film. Subsequently, all the corporates who use him to advertise their products will be targeted, whether it is Coke or Titan or somebody else. No hoarding carrying Aamir Khan's pictures will be permitted in the state," he says. "This is proof that in the aftermath of the communal riots of 2002, Gujarat has become a fascist state," comments Hiren Gandhi, a leading theatre personality whose play Suno Nadiya Kya Kehti Hai was virtually banned. Dancer Mallika Sarabhai, who has often faced saffronite wrath, terms it a sad day for democracy when one cannot express an opinion without being labelled a terrorist or a demon. "It is not just about Fanaa-the tendency is growing all over the country," she says..."