Underworld in Bollywood is nothing but media hype - Mahesh Bhatt

Chhota Shakeel's alleged threats to singer Sonu Niigaam bring back memories of the 90s when the entire film industry was at the mercy of the underworld dons. The new decade, however, remained relatively lull and trouble free and it was assumed that Bollywood had finally rid itself of the underworld menace. But with allegation of threats now resurfacing thick and fast, ominous signs of the underworld raising its ugly hood again are getting stronger. But filmmakers continue to remain in denial mode. We spoke to eminent director and speaker Mahesh Bhatt yesterday on the same. "Underworld's threat is not new in Bollywood," said Mahesh and added, "We have seen our own people dying. Music baron Gulshan Kumar was killed and our very own people were caught. But that was then in the 90s. Today, the underworld's presence is non- existent." Mahesh also said that he had met Maharashtra's home minister R.R Patil to discuss the underworld problem. “I met the home minister and he himself assuaged me by saying there is nothing to worry. The underworld making a comeback is more of a media buzz than reality." Mahesh Bhatt's words found support with Ram Gopal Varma who too echoed the same thoughts. At the trailer launch of Satya 2, the maverick director boldly declared that underworld is non-existent today. If indeed the underworld has been wiped out as these directors claim, then why are top stars like Akshay Kumar stepping out with police escorts. After all, has there ever been a smoke without any fire?