The cine wings of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have dealt a severe blow to Maria Susairaj and her hopes of a comeback by vowing to oppose her casting in any film or television show. Serving three years in prison for her role in the controversial Neeraj Grover murder case and released from jail after her conviction on Thursday, the Kannada actress had yet to announce her future plans.
The warning comes in light of recent comments by noted filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma who said that he would like to make a film with Susairaj where she portrays her own character.
Sena’s film division, Bhartiya Chitrapat Sena (BCS) president Abhijit Panse on Monday said that that if Ram Gopal Varma or anyone else offers Susairaj a film, BCS will not allow it to happen. Mr Panse also warned of carrying out “Shiv Sena style” protests, if any filmmaker casts Susairaj in a film.
It has, in fact, received support from the most surprising quarters, i.e. its counterpart in MNS, Maharashtra Navnirma Chitrapat Kamgar Sena. Ameya Khopkar, the president of the MNS wing also said that they object to Susairaj being cast in any role — be it TV or films.
Mr Khopkar said, “If anyone offers Susairaj a role, the producers will have to face opposition from the party.” He further said that if Susairaj was roped in for any reality show or advertisement, MNS would not even allow the products that she endorses to be sold.
Susairaj, who was held guilty of destroying evidence and not the murder of TV executive Neeraj Grover, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment. She was released from the Byculla women’s jail on Saturday as she had already served three years in jail as an under trial.
However, with the negative public reaction both to her conviction and release, even Ram Gopal Varma backtracked from his pronouncement. Meanwhile, even as rumours abound that Susairaj was looking to head to season 5 of Bigg Boss, the channel airing the show, Color TV, quashed all reports.