Bollywood criticises ban on beef in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Mar 3: A host of Bollywood celebrities including Farhan Akhtar, Ayushmann Khurrana and Richa Chadha on Tuesday slammed the ban on beef in Maharashtra, saying it is a 'violation of human rights'.

The bill banning cow slaughter in the state, pending for the past several years, yesterday received President Pranab Mukherjee's assent.

"#BeefBan is a violation of human rights. The govt cannot dictate what I eat. Seems like the 'democratic' constitution of India does not guarantee diversity. #BeefBan is a sad reflection of that," tweeted director Onir.

Richa said, "I am a vegetarian. And banning beef is communal politics."

Stand-up comedian-actor Vir Das, while taking a dig at Indian politicians, said, "Dear Govt with beef, let's ban teeth. We can live on vegetable smoothies and this way your politicians can't make hate speeches anymore."

"Stop banning food. And stop passing off bank accounts to be money. Thanks," wrote actor Ranvir Shorey.

Farhan tweeted, "So now in Maharashtra you can have a beef with someone but you can't have beef with someone."

Director Shirish Kunder joked, "Do not be surprised if the cows are given voting rights in the next election. #BeefBan."

"Beef faal baad! #kaminey," Ayushmann Khurrana said taking a cue from Vishal Bhardwaj's film "Kaminey", where the lead used to pronounce 's' as 'f'.

PTI