What is happening to our children in Australia is unforgivable: Bhansali

Mumbai, June 07: Bollywood is divided over Australia following a spate of attacks on Indian students there. While many filmmakers say they will avoid Australia to shoot, some find the country still attractive. Kalpana Lajmi: It is indeed extremely unfortunate. But I don`t hold the entire Australian nation responsible. If my film requires an Australian backdrop, I wouldn`t hesitate to shoot there. Anees Bazmi: Being a true Indian and a human being, I condemn these acts of violence. My conscience won`t permit me to shoot in Australia. Sajid Nadiadwala: No I won`t shoot in Australia. And why only Australia? I won`t have any relations with any country that disrespects Indians. Ken Ghosh: I definitely won`t shoot in Australia. These attacks are very surprising. I always found them (Australians) to be very friendly. Subhash Ghai: Certainly (I won`t shoot there) until Australia gives full respect and protection to Indian students. Sujoy Ghosh: Yup I`d shoot. And maybe carry a couple of hockey sticks to beat those racists. Siddharth Anand: My entire film "Salaam Namastey" and "Ta Ra Rum Pum" were shot in Australia. I strongly condemn what`s happening there. As of now I`d still like to believe Australia is a very friendly nation. The people there have been very warm and hospitable. But something drastic has to be done to stop these attacks. Until then I`d definitely be in two minds about shooting in Australia. Pritish Nandy: Yes I`d shoot in Australia. Just as I would shoot in Goa despite the murder of Scarlett Keeling and other foreign tourists. We shoot in locations that suit the script. We can`t take patriotism to such absurd lengths. Satish Kaushik: Shoot in Australia? Not at all. Why should we celebrate the beauty of a country when the heart of certain people in that country is not beautiful? They should learn from us. Atithi devo bhava. Kabir Khan: It`s very important to make a distinction between prejudices practiced by a government and racist attacks by some disgruntled lunatics. However to show our disapproval of the attacks, it`d better not to shoot in Australia at the moment. Ravi Chopra: No, definitely not. If our kids are not welcome, I don`t want to be any part of Australia. Jagmohan Mundhra: Even though I think most Australians are not racists, the frequency of attacks on Indian students is a matter of concern. As a mark of protest I won`t shoot in Australia until the government takes a firm stand against racial violence and sets an example by giving severe punishments to the perpetrators of these attacks. Tarun Mansukhani: No, considering the inaction by the Australian government against racial abuse, I wouldn`t shoot in Australia. I don`t think we should consider any joint venture with Australia until we get the same protection provided to their citizens. Indian students in Australia are a source of revenue for the Australian government. In exchange, the least we expect them to do is safeguard our lives. Sajid Khan: I feel an entire nation can`t be tarred because of a handful of extremists. We`ll only make these elements stronger by being scared. At the same time we want to see Australia take action against hate attacks. Until then I won`t shoot in Australia to show my solidarity with Indians who are attacked anywhere in the world. Vipul Shah: Shoot in Australia? Not at all. I`m shocked by their hatred. That their so-called progressive culture can be so bigoted is unbelievable. Australia must know we are united in fighting those who attack one of us. We`ll make them change their attitude. Zoya Akhtar: I won`t visit Australia till the government takes drastic steps to stop the violence. Vikram Bhatt: I`m deeply angered. In fact, I was planning a film in Australia, no more. Kunal Kohli: (Amitabh) Bachchan`s refusal to accept the doctorate should be the starting point for us all to take similar action. I definitely will not shoot in Australia till the attacks are stopped and definite laws are implemented to prevent such attacks. Madhu Mantena: I`ve been encouraging friends abroad to shoot in Mumbai after 26/11. By the same yardstick we can`t give up Australia because of a few demented individuals. Abbas-Mustan: It would be a risk for the entire cast to shoot in Australia given the present circumstances. Bunty Walia: Nope. A country that doesn`t look after my countrymen will never figure in my work and leisure scheme Priyadarshan: No I wouldn`t shoot in Australia even if my script required. Sanjay Leela Bhansali: What is happening to our children in Australia is unforgivable and goes beyond the interests of art and culture. I wouldn`t want to shoot in Australia until they sort this matter out. And why go to a hostile country when our country is so beautiful? Madhur Bhandarkar: First ensure the safety of our boys, then we`ll see about shooting in Australia. What guarantee is there for anyone`s life in a country where a handful of people are terrorizing foreigners? Given the circumstances I don`t want to risk my cast and crew`s life in Australia. Aparna Sen: No I wouldn`t shoot in Australia. What`s happening there is deplorable. IANS