Pahlaj Nihalani Plans a Special Event to Laud the Bravehearts

On behalf of the Mumbai film and television industry, a special event is being planned to honour those who valiantly gave up their lives during the terror ordeal in the city.

Says producer Pahlaj Nihalani, "We are working out the details but it will be held shortly. It will be our eloquent 'tribute –salute' to all the bravehearts who saved Mumbai. We expect everyone who is part of the industry, and in the city on the day, to attend which will recognise the daring actions of the commandos, the police-officers and constables, fire-brigade personnel, and the hotel staff."

Nihalani had worked closely with the late ATS chief Hemant Karkare during the annual Mumbai Police Welfare Diwali Melaava film stars night every year.

The producer remembers Karkare as an ever-smiling person with a calm demeanour, "For the past four years, I had been interacting with him. This time, on November 2, he was actively yet discreetly supervising the arrangements at the Diwali Melaava, which had a turnout of over 50 showbiz celebs. So overwhelmed was he when artistes like Dharmendra, Shah Rukh Khan. Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra turned up for the event that he asked me to convey his personal thanks to all those who he could not get to meet." The event which began with Karkare lighting the traditional lamp on stage, is expected to be telecast this month-end.

'If not an actor, a police officer'
Dharmendra was emotionally charged when he addressed the Mumbai cops and their families at the Diwali Melaava this year. He told the kids of the cops, "Whenever your papa goes on duty, I am sure you must be very apprehensive, about his safe return. May God eliminate this nagging fear from your minds. Allow me to salute the brave warrior cops. Honestly speaking, had I not been an actor, I would become a police officer.