Hairdressers Assoc wants Billu Barber's title changed

Doesn't quite have the same ring... and yet, The Salon and Beauty Parlors Association wants the title of the film changed

These days every new release seems to be running into trouble. Last week, it was MNS bristling over the Pakistani players in Victory, this week the Salon and Beauty Parlors Association are agitated because they don't like the title of SRK's Billu Barber, which releases this coming Friday.
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The association finds the word 'barber' objectionable. This, after SRK tied up with over 500 'barber' shops across the city and has sent them vinyls of the film, and cassettes and CDs of the film to be displayed and played at their shops.

Galat perception?

Suresh Amre of New India Hair Art in Andheri, says, "The President of our association (Maharashtra), Uday Takke, has sent us letters saying: 'Yeh log hum pe galat film bana rahe hai. Hum sab February 12 ko special screening dekhne jaa rahe hai Chandan theatre mein.' "
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Uday adds that if they find anything offensive in the film, then they will decide what action to take. He confirms, "We have been given vinyl posters and CDs to put up in the shops."

Uday Takke adds, "We want Billu Barber to be called Billu Hairdresser as barber is a derogatory and insulting term. We choose hairdressing as a profession because it is an art. Also there are many women hairstylists if Billu Barber becomes a hit, women hairdressers will be called barbers too!"

Why the delayed reaction?

Takke continues, "I was out of Mumbai attending seminars in Jaipur which is why there's a delayed reaction to the issue. Our association secretary has spoken to Shah Rukh Khan's secretary who has promised to have a special screening for us on February 12.

But I want it to be held on February 9, so that if there's anything objectionable in the film, we can get it changed. If they don't, the association members will take to the streets to protest against the film. There are 27000 association members in Mumbai and 3.5 lakh in Maharashtra."

No disrespect

When told about Takke's stand. Shah Rukh send a text message saying, "Oh wow! So much for freedom of expression. We have not made this film to disrespect anyone. As a matter of fact, when a title of the film is kept after the protagonist, it is only to honour that character.

If some people want to check the film because they feel better they are most welcome to do so. I am sure they will get a screening. My office must be keeping tabs on that. The film is about love and friendship... about relationships... and it is a very sweet and touching film.

Whoever, especially the women, when they saw Billu Barber, cried on being overwhelmed. There areu00a0 only positive thoughts in the film. I'm sure the associations and the audience will appreciate our endeavour."