Filmy hatao, Marathi bajao

Shiv Sena corporators demand that Bollywood numbers played on Best bus televisions be replaced with 'wholesome spiritual music' in Marathi

Shiv Sena corporators demand that Bollywood numbers played on Best bus televisions be replaced with 'wholesome spiritual music' in Marathi

Concerned with the effect of Bollywood film songs on the morals of Mumbaikars, Shiv Sena corporators and members of the BEST committee demanded yesterday that the numbers played on TV screens in BEST buses be replaced with wholesome devotional songs in Marathi.

Sunil Ganacharya, Shiv Sena corporator, said it all boiled down to promoting local culture. "The content being aired on BEST buses is often obscene and vulgar.

Not a single bus is playing anything in Marathi. We should play devotional songs in Marathi in the mornings and during peak hours to promote our culture and language," said Ganacharya.

Bad start

Seconding Ganacharya's opinion, BEST Chairman Dilip Patel said, it was not right to start the day with disco numbers.

Hey Bhagwan: Shiv Sena corporators and BEST committee members feel devotional songs in Marathi should be played in the mornings and during peak hours to promote state culture and language.

"The songs should be in harmony with the timing and surroundings. One thing that needs to be remedied immediately is the high volume, which is disturbing passengers as well as drivers," Patel said.

Shiv Sena Corporator and BEST committee member Vilas Chawri proposed that documentaries on the BMC and BEST be shown to commuters.

"Mumbaikars as well as tourists should know what the civic and BEST staff put in to make the life of Mumbaikars comfortable.

People should know what goes into making a single bus trip successful," said Chawri.

Uttam Khobragade, the general manager, BEST, said he did not agree with the Sena corporators on the issue.
u00a0
"What a nonsensical suggestion! How can they impose their views on the common man," asked Khobragade.

Censor Screenings

The BEST has been featuring short films on child abuse and human trafficking in its buses since September 1. The films titled Save The Children have been made by the NGO India Foundation.

Psychiatrists and child activists opposed the idea saying it would affect minor viewers adversely. Best officials said they are looking after the matter.

45 lakh
Average number of commuters who travel by BEST daily

1,300
Number of BEST buses that have LCD TVs installed on them