Om Puri apologises derogatory remarks against politicians

New Delhi, Aug 29: Facing privilege motion in Parliament, Actor Om Puri today (Aug 29) apologised for making derogatory remarks against politicians and said he is ready to appear before MPs if summoned.

The 61-year-old Bollywood veteran also denied that he was drunk at the time when he made a no holds barred attack on politicians at Ramlila maidan on Friday where Anna Hazare was on the 11th day of his fast.

Puri said he regretted the two words he used-- ''naalayak'' (incompetent) and ''ganwar''( a word often used to describe a backward and an illiterate person)-- for his description of the political class, admitting they were inappropriate.

"I got to know about the privilege motion from the media. I am yet to receive a notice. I believe in our Constitution and the parliamentary system. If I am called I am ready to go before them and clarify. I will wait and see what happens," Puri told PTI.

"I was very emotional and I regret using those words, which may have hurt some sentiments. I could have opted for better words. I feel I spoke like a man on the street," he said, adding, "I was not drunk. I need support to climb stairs because of an old surgery."

Puri admitted that he spoke like a "man on the street", claiming he was very emotional at that time. The outburst came in the heat of the moment on seeing Hazare's condition and the kind of political response to his agitation for a strong Lokpal bill, he added.

Members of both Houses of Parliament have given Privilege notices against Puri and also Team Anna member Kiran Bedi for using "derogatory and defamatory" language against politicians and the matter is under consideration of the Chair.

"I have never been in a controversy in the past 35 years of my career. I have been a part of meaningful cinema and through my films I have tried to raise social issues," Puri said, adding he has had an impeccable record.

Puri was one of the Bollywood actors who visited Ramlila ground to extend support to Hazare.

PTI