Aamir Khan bats for Hazare, writes to PM

New Delhi: Bollywood has come out in support of social activist Anna Hazare, who has launched an indefinite hunger strike against corruption, with superstar Aamir Khan appealing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to give the matter some attention.

Aamir is the latest celebrity to rally behind the veteran activist, the others being Shekhar Kapur, Anupam Kher and Madhur Bhandarkar. "I am one of over a billion citizens of this country who is affected by, and most concerned about, corruption in our country. The last few months have witnessed shocking exposes. In fact, our society has been plagued by this sickness over the last many decades. I am one of the many who feel that strong steps need to be taken as corrective measures," the 45-year-old actor wrote in a letter to Singh. The 72-year-old activist began his hunger strike yesterday demanding the government to draft a new Lokpal Bill, which will give more powers to Ombudsman to check corruption. Filmmaker Kapur backed Hazare's campaign, saying "I support Anna Hazare's fast for national debate on Lokpal Bill. At least need Parliament to come out and respond to issue. People like Anna Hazare will force a people's movement against the system. Like Gandhi did against the British." Anupam Kher said, "When somebody is fighting corruption, I don't judge his ways. I applaud his intentions and actions. I am with ANNA HAZARE. Are you?" Actress Diya Mirza tweeted her support. "Finally, people are voicing strong support for a man that has, should and will be a great example to our generation. I support Anna Hazare." Actor and social activist Rahul Bose said, "That it takes an Anna Hazare fasting unto death to effect systemic change is comment enough. Corruption is part of our DNA." Juhi Chawla said, "I am complete and absolute supporter of Shri Anna Hazare! All those with a conscience and a clean heart speak up. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said, "Overwhelming momentum generates in for Anna Hazare's fight against corruption. Is India gonna be the next Egypt?" Tweetted Pritish Nandy, "Proud to see common man come out in support of Anna Hazare. It took a 72-year-old man to fast unto death to wake us up." Ranvir Shorey wrote, "Anna Hazare's crusade is a great litmus test to see if India has any grit left at all. Or have we become a country of corrupt schmoozers." PTI