Veteran actor Anupam Kher praises demonetisation move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was praised by veteran actor Anupam Kher on Sunday regarding his decision of abolishing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in the battle against black money.

The 61-year-old actor agreed that people are facing trouble due to the sudden decision but backed the government, saying any kind of change requires people to step out of their comfort zone.

"The intention of demonetisation is to end black money. This is the intention. In its implementation you can say that there are few loopholes I agree that there should not have been any problem to people.

"They (the government) should have planned it a little better. But how can a revolution come in this country overnight. Of course, it will be uncomfortable," Kher said while addressing a session at Sahitya AajTak event.

Blasting those opposing the demonetisation, the actor said some people have suddenly realised that lower sections are facing troubles.

"Some people have suddenly got worried about their servants. But if they are really concerned about them, they should be standing in queues for them. They should help them. So, it's very easy to criticise.

"I'm not here to defend the government, it is powerful enough to defend itself. There are enough ministers, who are powerful enough."

Kher also took a dig at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was pictured standing in a queue outside a bank to exchange invalid currency notes.

"Those who never went to bank, if they stand in queue outside an ATM, it raises doubts about their intentions. I wonder have they been to their own constituencies after this decision (demonetisation)?

"Has one of our special MPs (referring to Rahul Gandhi) gone to Amethi after demonetisation decision to see what sort of problems people in his constituency are facing? Have you done anything for those people, who have been constantly voting for your party for past 50 years," he questioned.

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Kher said, "Somewhere deep inside, I am very disappointed with Arvind Kejriwal. The kind of majority he got in Delhi, he could have done so much.

"It is not the first time that he has spoken a bogus thing," Kher said of Kejriwal's questioning of demonetisation move before adding, "Kejriwal compares himself with Modi. I can compare myself with Marlon Brando. But, I am happy to be Anupam Kher. Kejriwal should be happy being Kejriwal."

While big industry names including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, southern superstar Rajinikanth, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and others have lauded PM Modi's decision, celebrities like Arshad Warsi and Vishal Dadlani have slammed the initiative.