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Tanmay Bhat controversy: Asha Bhosle calls for more respect for Bharat Ratnas


The singer hasn’t seen the controversial video, but asks government to protect the honour of Bharat Ratna awardees. 

Mayur Lookhar

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle yesterday broke her silence on stand-up comedian Tanmay Bhat’s controversial video in which he poked fun at her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.
Speaking to Bombay Times, Bhosle said, “I have not seen the video nor do I intend to. My grandson Chintu informed me about it as I don't even watch television.
"I don't want to say anything except for we are talking about a woman who has worked for 70-80 years of her life, spreading joy and happiness through her music. I now want to wait and watch how many people will stand by us. Most people have a knack of debating about it for a couple of days and forgetting about it. Aaplya deshat, Bharat Ratnancha kiti aadar aahe hey baghayche aahe [I want to see what respect and honour Bharat Ratna awardees get in our country]. The government has bestowed this honour upon them. They must make a note of this."
While she chose to ignore the controversial video, Bhosle called upon the government to protect the honour and dignity of Bharat Ratna awardees and eminent personalities.
However, Asha Bhosle’s sister Meena Khadikar was scathing in her attack on Bhat. Khadikar, herself a singer and composer of repute, called upon the government to take action against such offenders. 
“Sachin has achieved so much in his life at such a young age. He has immense respect for Didi [Lata Mangeshkar] and vice versa. These are Bharat Ratna awardees. Tyanchya vishayi kahitari ghanerda bolaycha (Talking rubbish about them} in the name of comedy is disgusting," she said.
Khadikar said the Mangeshkars have nothing against humour, "provided it's in good taste. Several comedians have mimicked Latadidi in the past. Johny Lever mimics Asha, but they are funny. None of that made us angry. This is repulsive. There is absolute disregard for her age or achievements.”
Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar has kept mum on the issue though his wife Anjali took to Twitter to say, "Disrespect is not cool neither it’s funny. Comedians should understand the difference between comedy and insult.”
Tendulkar’s one-time buddy Vinod Kambli, who too was made fun of, is contemplating legal action against Bhat. Kambli tweeted the following,
The comments by the Mangeshkar sisters and Vinod Kambli's suit threat are likely to cause further trouble for the embattled Bhat.