Controversies facing the World Culture Festival, organised
by the Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, regarding
environmental issues, apparently have a parallel in an international beauty
contest, organised by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, in Bengaluru about
20 years ago although for different reasons.
If high profile Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is facing the heat now,
it was the Big B in November, 1997.
A dispute had arisen due to Karnataka police demands for
fees for police and security arrangements.
In his autobiography, 'Pursuit of Law and
Order' then Karnataka DGP (Director General of Police) AP
Durai said that directions were left to lock the gates of the
stadium, venue of the show, in the morning if the due fee was not
paid by organisers before the show.
Amitabh was looking for a venue to host the Miss World
Contest in November 1997 in Bengaluru.Then Chief Minister JH Patel
and state's ex-Home Minister Mustafa
had assured all help of the state
government for the show.
''But moralistic Bangalore seem to erupt in protest against the world beauty pageant, describing it as an indecent and uncivilised show. A joint call was given by various organisations,'' Mr Durai stated.
''But moralistic Bangalore seem to erupt in protest against the world beauty pageant, describing it as an indecent and uncivilised show. A joint call was given by various organisations,'' Mr Durai stated.
For a month, there were protest marches to Vidhan Soudha
by women’s groups. Both Mr JH Patel and Mr
Mustafa remained unperturbed and stood solidly behind Amitabh.
While commissioner of police SC Burman and his teams mounted
full security arrangements, the feminist groups were prevailed upon
by staging the crucial swim wear competition in Seychelles
while only non-controversial events were held in the state capital. The book said,'' When Amitabh was
half into the arrangements, Mustafa and Burman bargained for a stiff
fee from him for the security arrangements. A sum of Rs two
crore plus was mentioned as the figure.''
Mr Durai stated
that the duo started giving press statements that the amount would
be utilised for police welfare, specially for setting
up of residential school for
police children in Dharward. “ An advance payment of Rs 15 lakh was
taken from Amitabh with the stipulation that the balance would be paid before
the event.''
According to Mr Durai, there were no
consultations with him, but the day prior to the event, he went to
the cricket stadium where the final event was to be held.
He went around the stadium and the Big B was introduced to him by
Burman.
“ And while I was about to depart Burman came to me
and whispered, Sir, I am informed that Amitabh is facing financial problems and
would not be able to pay the amount before the event.
'' I told him, Burman, you have created the hype in the press all these days and if Amitabh reneges on his comnmitment, your name will be mud ,You better collect the money before the show commences tomorrow.
''Next morning, Mr Burman seemed to be in discussions with Amitabh or his representatives with the help of Subbiah (IG Intelligence) who was in touch with him. I told him that unless the amount is paid,the event was off as far as the police was concerned . I had also told the DCP concerned to lock up the gates of the stadium in the morning, ''the book said.
'' I told him, Burman, you have created the hype in the press all these days and if Amitabh reneges on his comnmitment, your name will be mud ,You better collect the money before the show commences tomorrow.
''Next morning, Mr Burman seemed to be in discussions with Amitabh or his representatives with the help of Subbiah (IG Intelligence) who was in touch with him. I told him that unless the amount is paid,the event was off as far as the police was concerned . I had also told the DCP concerned to lock up the gates of the stadium in the morning, ''the book said.
Durai wrote,“I received a call from
Mr Padmanabhiah, then Union home Secretary, asking why we
were insisting on payment of police arrangements. He was
told that the demand was made as per rules and the amount could not
be waived off.
''Subbiah asked me if half the amount could be paid now and the rest later. The offer was refused and later a query was made whether the payment could be through cheque.
“ I told him that it should be banker’s cheque. ''Finally, the cheque was remitted to the government account and the event took place as scheduled.''
''Subbiah asked me if half the amount could be paid now and the rest later. The offer was refused and later a query was made whether the payment could be through cheque.
“ I told him that it should be banker’s cheque. ''Finally, the cheque was remitted to the government account and the event took place as scheduled.''
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