New Delhi: Veteran actor Anupam Kher today praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to abolish Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency in a war against black money.

The 61-year-old actor agreed that people are facing trouble due to the sudden decision but backed the government, saying any kind of change requires people to step out of their comfort zone.

“The intention of demonetisation is to end black money.

This is the intention. In its implementation you can say that there are few loopholes I agree that there should not have been any problem to people.

“They (the government) should have planned it a little better. But how can a revolution come in this country overnight. Of course, it will be uncomfortable,” Kher said while addressing a session at Sahitya AajTak event here.

Blasting those opposing the demonetisation, the actor said some people have suddenly realised that lower sections are facing troubles.

“Some people have suddenly got worried about their servants. But if they are really concerned about them, they should be standing in queues for them. They should help them.

So, it’s very easy to criticise.

“I’m not here to defend the government, it is powerful enough to defend itself. There are enough ministers, who are powerful enough.”

Kher also took a dig at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was pictured standing in a queue outside a bank to exchange invalid currency notes.

“Those who never went to bank, if they stand in queue outside an ATM, it raises doubts about their intentions. I wonder have they been to their own constituencies after this decision (demonetisation)?

“Has one of our special MPs (referring to Rahul Gandhi) gone to Amethi after demonetisation decision to see what sort problems people in his constituency are facing? Have you done anything for those people, who have been constantly voting for your party for past 50 years,” he questioned.

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Kher said, “Somewhere deep inside, I am very disappointed with Arvind Kejriwal. The kind of majority he got in Delhi, he could have done so much.

“It is not the first time that he has spoken a bogus thing,” Kher said of Kejriwal’s questioning of demonetisation move before adding, “Kejriwal compares himself with Modi. I can compare myself with Marlon Brando. But, I am happy to be Anupam Kher. Kejriwal should be happy being Kejriwal.”

While big industry names including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, south superstar Rajinikanth, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan among others have lauded PM Modi’s decision, celebrities like Arshad Warsi and Vishal Dadlani have slammed the initiative.

Hrithik Roshan stays mum on demonetisation

Mumbai:Actor Hirhik Roshan does not want to plunge into the debate over scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, even as the biggest names in the film industry have come forward to praise the government’s decision.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar have lauded PM Narendra Modi for doing away with the high denomination notes, calling it a masterstroke in India’s war against corruption.

When asked what he would like to say on demonetisation, Hrithik told reporters here, “Nothing right now.”

He was speaking at the launch of a single by Ananua Birla, daughter of Kumar Mangalam Birla, yesterday.

Also present at the launch were Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Prasoon Joshi, Rahul Bose, Shaina NC, Rannvijay Singha among others.

Prasoon, who was forthcoming in speaking on the currency demonetisation, said, “When this decision was made, I am sure there was a smile on those people’s face who have worked hard to earn money.

“There will be some inconvenience for a few days but if such steps are not taken, it will become difficult to bring any change in the country. I am among those people, who have nothing to worry about because we have led a clean life. So, we should welcome this move.”

Chopra also praised the government’s decision, calling it a “good step.”

The new development has also caused inconvenience to the citizens in terms of cash deposit and debit.

Reacting to the criticism by other parties, Shaina said, “It is important to understand the the Prime Minister has taken a decision which is in the interest of all.

“We do away with terrorism, fake currency. It may be inconvenient for a few days but look at the larger picture, it is inclusive for all Indians…”

While most the the film industry has given a thumbs-up to the PM for this move, actor Arshad Warsi, is among those, who are not very pleased with the development.

Warsi hit out at the PM in a series of tweets, asking him to make new laws and amend the older ones that don t allow fraudulent companies to function at all and increase the number of tax payers in the country.

PTI