“Thanks To Sushma-Jee, Film-Industry Was Recognized As An ‘Industry’ : Shabana Azmi, As Entire Bollywood Deeply Mourns The BJP Leader’s Loss

Chaitanya  Padukone

Dynamic and result-oriented Sushma Swaraj, former foreign minister and one of the BJP's formidable leaders, is being fondly remembered and mourned by a large number of Bollywood celebrities. Shah Rukh Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, film-maker Aashim ( Shakti) Samanta, Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Dutt, Vivek Oberoi, Anushka Sharma, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Riteish Deshmukh, Swara Bhasker, Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Riteish Deshmukh, Ekta Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar and Ayushmann Khurrana are some of the film fraternity members to deeply mourn the BJP veteran's death. Senior actress Shabana Azmi's emotional note for Sushma Swaraj said: "Deeply saddened that Sushma Swaraj has passed away. Inspite of political differences we had an extremely cordial relationship. I was one of her 'Navratans' as she called us during her I and B Ministership ( during 1998 ) and she gave an ‘industry’ status to film-industry. Articulate sharp and accessible. RIP". While noted writer Javed Akhtar remembered her in these words: "Deeply saddened by Sushma ji's demise. The music fraternity will be indebted to her for magnificent defence of their rights in the Lok Sabha. You were an exceptional person Sushma-ji. We will always remain thankful to you."  Actor Riteish Deshmukh ( son of noted political luminary ‘late’ Vilasrao Deshmukh) reacted “ Sushma-jee is no  more. As an Ext Affairs minister she was always accessible to every Indian who was in need of help.  A huge loss for India- An outstanding orator, an absolute patriot, a tall leader During the shooting of my debut film, Sushma-ji visted our sets in Hyderabad and blessed Genelia and me”. Actor Parineeti Chopra expressed her special sad sentiments “My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones & millions of followers.” hail from Ambala Cantt, same as Sushma Swaraj ji. Always felt proud that a woman from our small town made it big, and made a difference. Sushma ji rest in peace. You inspired me on a personal level.”   Reacted Aashim ( Shakti) Samanta  eminent film-maker and a former director on the Board of a leading private sector Bank. “ It is thanks to visionary Sushma-jee’s  initiative that film-industry was finally recognized as an ‘industry’ in 1998 following which commercial banks started financing Hindi movies.” Meanwhile Ekta Kapoor also shared sentimental memories, “In my younger years I got so much support from Sushma ji ! I still have pictures with her giving me my first award all over my office! Gutted sad at the loss of a lady who taught me my first lesson... women should help women grow!”

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Tags: Bollywood, Bollywood News, Bollywood Updates, Television, Telly News, Shabana Azmi, Bollywood Deeply Mourns, The BJP Leader