Bal Thackeray defends Amitabh, criticises Raj

Mumbai, Feb 7: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Wednesday defended Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, numbing the campaign by his nephew and splinter Sena leader Raj Thackeray against the star and North Indians.

Taking on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray for his personal attack against Bachchan that the star always gave priority to Uttar Pradesh over Maharashtra triggering a war of words between the youth leader and Samajwadi Party, the Sena chief said, "The allegations are nothing but stupidity." "Amitabh is Amitabh, he should ignore such allegations," Thackeray said in a statement. "Amitabh is a family friend. The friendship goes back 40 years during which it has not even diminished."

Thackeray said Bachchan is a global superstar and is respected all over the world. "He has always expressed his gratitude to Mumbai and the people for giving him fame."

However, he remained silent over attacks on migrants in Maharashtra.

OneIndia News