Urmila, Sonali receive threats

Bharati Dubey

Filmstars have always been soft targets for the underworld.

The latest to receive extortion threats are Umrila Matondkar and Sonali Bendre. The threat has come exactly a week before their film, Lajja, hits the screen.

When contacted, Minister of State for Home, Kripa Shankar Singh confirmed the news about the threat to Urmila. He says, "About four days ago, Urmila's father attended a call made to Urmila's house by a member who claimed he was from the Abu Salem gang. Her father came with the complaint to the police commissioner. Necessary precaution is being taken."

Singh did not confirm the rumour about the threats to Sonali Bendre. But he asserts, "We have always cooperated with the film industry. But not many come forward and register complaints. We are ready to offer protection to anyone who comes to us with a geniune complaint."

It maybe recalled that about a month ago, Manisha Koirala, too, was threatened by a man who claimed to a member of the Abu Salem's gang. He was later arrested by the Bombay police.

About 33 film personalities have been given protection by the Bombay police, including Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, Govinda, Subhash Ghai, Vikas Mohan, Amar Sharma, Karan Johar, Vijay Galani, Rajiv Rai and Suneel Darshan.